There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade pasta that melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- Water (as needed)
Instructions:
1. On a clean work surface or in a large mixing bowl mix the flour, salt, and olive oil. Create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and gradually incorporate the flour using a fork until the dough begins to come together.
2. Once the mixture is too stiff to mix with a fork, use your hands to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little water; if it’s too sticky, sprinkle with a bit more flour.
3. Wrap the kneaded 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 step allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
4. After resting, divide the dough into quarters. Using a rolling pin or a pasta machine, roll each piece out to your desired thickness, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Once rolled out, you can cut the pasta into your desired shapes—fettuccine, tagliatelle, or lasagna sheets. Use a sharp knife or a pasta cutter for even shapes.
6. To cook the pasta bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness, until al dente.
7. Drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce, or simply drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs, pureed spinach or roasted red peppers, or spices into the dough.
- Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.
Aprile's Kitchen 