At Pastamania – Casa della Pasta in Durrës, every week we feature a special dish with a story to tell. This week, from January 26 to February 1, 2026, our Dish of the Week is Spaghetti Malavita – a classic, bold, and flavorful recipe rooted in Italian and Italian-American cuisine.
The History of Spaghetti Malavita
At the beginning of the 20th century, Italian communities in America preserved their strongest traditions around the table. Even the most influential figures of the community — capos and leaders of Italian groups — would gather to share food, strengthen bonds, and maintain mutual respect.
At these gatherings, spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce was often prepared: a simple, generous dish meant to be shared. It was not about luxury, but a symbol of unity, discipline, and unspoken rules.
From this tradition, Spaghetti Malavita was born. The name Malavita does not refer to crime, but to a tough, authentic way of life — unembellished and real — where everything was earned through hard work and respect.
The Recipe – Ingredients of Spaghetti Malavita
Ingredients of the dish:
- Spaghetti
- Tomato sauce
- Homemade meatballs
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P., aged 30 months
Ingredients of the meatballs:
- Beef
- Pork
- Eggs
- Pecorino Romano D.O.P. 30M
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Oregano
Spaghetti Malavita is part of Pastamania’s Pasta of the Week concept — a special dish available for only a few days, for those who want to experience authentic flavors with a story to tell.
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