Acini di pepe [ˈaːtʃini di ˈpeːpe] are a form of pasta. Their name is Italian for "grains of pepper". Acini di pepe work well in soups or cold salads. They are also sometimes referred to as pastina (Italian for "tiny dough"); however, some pasta makers distinguish pastina as smaller than acini di pepe. Acini di pepe are often used in Italian wedding soup. In Middle Eastern Cuisine, it's called Maftool or Maftoul, a wheat-based dish that is served like couscous or shaped into little balls and steamed over stew or soup. Maftool, like most couscous dishes, are served with chicken.