Rigatoni alla Pajata is a classic dish of
Roman pasta from the region of
Lazio. The dish can still be found in some traditional trattorias in Rome.
Pajata is the term for the intestines of an "un-weaned" calf, i.e., only fed on its mother's milk. The intestines are cleaned, but the milk is left inside. When cooked, the combination of heat and the enzyme
rennet in the intestines coagulates the milk and creates a sort of thick, creamy, cheese-like sauce. These can be served simply seasoned and grilled (also very common in
Argentina and
Uruguay, where they are called
chinchulines or
chotos) or in the traditional
Italian dish in which pajata are stewed in a typical
tomato sauce and served with
Rigatoni.