The Ultimate Guide to Making Fresh Pasta at Home

MINI INTELLIGENT ROBOT

simple recipe for homemade pasta:

Ingredients for Pasta Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tbsp water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Make the dough:

  • Option 1: Mixing by hand
    • On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center.
    • Crack the eggs into the well, add the salt, and use a fork to gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges.
    • As the mixture starts coming together, use your hands to knead it into a dough. If it’s too dry, add a little water (one tablespoon at a time).
  • Option 2: Using a food processor
    • Place flour and salt in a food processor. Add the eggs and pulse until the dough starts coming together.
    • If needed, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until it forms a ball.

2. Knead the dough:

  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle with a little flour as you knead.
  • Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes rolling easier.

3. Roll out the dough:

  • After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions (about 4). This makes it easier to roll out.
  • Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll the dough into thin sheets (about 1/16-inch thick). Dust the dough with flour to prevent sticking.
  • If using a pasta machine, start at the widest setting and gradually work your way down to thinner settings for the perfect consistency.

4. Cut the pasta:

  • Once you have thin sheets of dough, you can cut it into your desired shape:
    • For fettuccine or tagliatelle, fold the sheets loosely and slice them into strips.
    • For pappardelle, cut wider strips.
    • For ravioli, cut into squares or circles and fill them with your favorite filling.

5. Cook the pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness and shape. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta.
  • Taste to ensure it's cooked to your liking (al dente).

6. Serve:

  • Drain the pasta, saving a bit of the cooking water if you plan to make a sauce.
  • Toss the pasta with your favorite sauce, olive oil, or pesto. You can also add grated cheese or herbs.

Tips:

  • Fresh pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
  • You can experiment with adding flavor by mixing spinach, beetroot, or herbs into the dough.

Enjoy your homemade pasta!

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