The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Pasta

There’s something magical about making fresh pasta from scratch. The texture, the flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands make it an experience worth trying. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will walk you through the process of making delicious homemade pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour + ½ cup semolina for extra texture)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Making the Dough

1. Place the flour on a clean surface or in a large bowl and form a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well and add salt and olive oil.
3. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges.
4. Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Rolling and Shaping the Pasta

1. Divide the dough into smaller portions to make it easier to handle.
2. Flatten one portion and roll it out using a rolling pin or a pasta machine, gradually thinning it to your desired thickness.
3. Cut the pasta into your preferred shape – fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even lasagna sheets.

3. Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Drop in the fresh pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
3. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce immediately.

Helpful Hints for Perfect Pasta:

• If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time while kneading.
• If it’s too sticky, dust it with a little more flour.
• Allow the dough to rest to improve elasticity and texture.
• Experiment with flavored pasta by adding herbs, spinach, or squid ink to the dough.