Making Pasta

Fresh pasta is a delightful Italian classic, and making it from scratch is a rewarding experience. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade fresh pasta:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 3 large eggs
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Create a Mound of Flour: On a clean, flat surface like a countertop or wooden board, pile the flour into a mound. Make a well in the center of the mound with your fingers. The well should be wide enough to hold the eggs without them spilling over.

  2. Crack the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.

  3. Start Mixing: With a fork or your fingers, gently beat the eggs, incorporating a little flour from the edges of the well as you go. Continue mixing until the dough starts coming together.

  4. Knead the Dough: Once the mixture becomes too thick to mix with a fork, use your hands to knead the dough. Gather all the loose flour into the dough and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.

  5. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

  6. Roll Out the Dough: After resting, cut the dough into smaller portions. Take one portion and flatten it slightly with your hands. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Dust the dough and the rolling pin with flour as needed to prevent sticking. You can also use a pasta machine for this step if you have one.

  7. Shape Your Pasta: Once your dough is rolled out to the desired thickness, you can cut it into your preferred pasta shape. Common options include fettuccine, tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even ravioli. If making filled pasta like ravioli, be sure to fill and seal them before cooking.

  8. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fresh pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on thickness. Fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta, so be sure to taste for doneness.

  9. Serve: Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and serve with your favorite sauce. It’s also delicious simply dressed with a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper.

Enjoy your homemade fresh pasta! It’s a true Italian treat that’s worth the effort.