Trupasta is a story born of passion and coincidence – where culinary creativity meets a deep love of pasta. The journey, which celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of Ukrainian woodworkers, began with the accidental purchase of a simple ravioli cutter. Trupasta’s colorful pastas, boards, rolling pins, and ravioli molds are not only tools for creating delicious dishes; they also stand for the preservation of values and traditions. Their message is clear and simple: preserving and passing on traditions is just as important in the kitchen as it is in life. Trupasta offers more than just pasta – it offers a slice of Ukrainian culture and family heritage, where food and love are at the heart of everything.
We spoke with founder Ksenia Trubetska about one such culinary journey.
When did the Trupasta journey begin, and what inspired it? What should we know about the brand?
I’ve always loved cooking, entertaining my family and friends, and experimenting in the kitchen. My story began when I randomly bought a ravioli cutter. After several failed attempts to make pasta, I realized that unless I understood the chemistry, the types, and properties of different flours, I wouldn’t succeed. That’s when my fascinating journey into the world of pasta truly began.
God rewarded my perseverance, learning, and hard work by blessing me with a creative vision. This led to the idea of making lasagne and ravioli using colorful pasta. The details were often tiny, the small elements took a long time to prepare, and the pasta dried quickly, making assembly difficult. That’s how the idea of wooden pasta molds was born — they allowed me to create fine details more easily.
How did wood become part of your pasta-making process? Where are the molds produced?
The dish through which I want to express my culinary skills and cultural traditions had a profound effect on me. The small wooden molds added a completely new dimension to my gastronomic experience. All our products are crafted by Ukrainian woodworkers, and production takes place in Kyiv, Ukraine.
What kinds of products does Trupasta offer?
We’re constantly expanding our range. Currently, we offer a limited number of pasta boards decorated with Ukrainian folk motifs, specifically designed for making pasta and gnocchi. We also feature special ravioli molds. Thanks to their unique patterns, these tools turn any dinner into a memorable occasion — and we’re preparing new items for the upcoming holiday season.
The products are inspired by Ukrainian folk traditions. What other messages would you like to convey?
The secret lies in simple things. For me, it’s important that these small tools bring families together — people who want to enjoy quality time, make ravioli by hand, and share a meal together. These evenings become cherished memories for everyone at the table.
Do you think Trupasta can help promote these values internationally?
We created our products by studying traditional and sacred national symbols and ideals. Values like family, faith, love, and charity have been passed down through generations for centuries. They exist in every culture and nation — they are the spiritual treasures we hold and share with others.
What should we know about Ukrainian food traditions?
Ukrainian cuisine is rich and diverse, with strong regional variations. Some traditions have stood the test of time; others have evolved slightly. But we still prepare traditional dishes for major holidays, faithfully following the recipes of our ancestors.
Speaking of holidays — where can people purchase Trupasta products?
Our products are available through online marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay, Mercari, and OfferUp.
Can you share a recipe that’s perfect for Trupasta tools?
Absolutely! Here’s an extraordinary recipe for homemade ravioli dough:
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 300 g of 00 flour
- 90 g of Rimacinata flour
- yolks of 5–6 eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil
- a little water, if needed
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the 00 flour and the Rimacinata flour.
- Make a well in the center and add the egg yolks.
- Add the olive oil.
- Begin mixing and kneading the dough by hand.
- If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water — but be careful not to make it too wet.
- Knead thoroughly for 10–15 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough out into thin sheets, then prepare your filling of choice.
- Shape and fill the ravioli, and cook them in salted boiling water until they float to the surface.
- Drain and serve with your favorite sauce and freshly grated cheese.
This article was first published in print in 2023, in issue 8 of Hype&Hyper.
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