Imagine the delightful aroma of fresh pasta wafting through your kitchen, crafted by your own hands without the need for any fancy machines! Making "Fresh Pasta Without Machine" is not only a rewarding culinary experience but also a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with your Italian cooking skills. In just over half an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of homemade pasta? Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Create a clean, large work surface by clearing a spacious area on your kitchen counter or wooden cutting board.
- Measure the all-purpose flour and create a wide circular mound, then make a deep well in the center of the flour.
- Crack the eggs into the flour well, adding salt and olive oil directly into the egg mixture.
- Using a fork, gently beat the eggs while gradually incorporating the surrounding flour from the inner edges of the well.
- Continue mixing until the eggs and flour start to form a shaggy, uneven dough with some loose flour remaining.
- Begin kneading the dough with your hands, pressing and folding repeatedly to integrate all flour and create a smooth, elastic consistency.
- Knead the dough for approximately 8-10 minutes until it becomes firm, smooth, and slightly stretchy when pulled.
- Shape the dough into a compact ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- After resting, unwrap the dough and divide it into 2-4 equal portions for easier rolling.
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each portion into thin, almost translucent sheets, turning and flouring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once rolled, dust the pasta sheets with flour and fold them loosely, then slice into desired pasta width using a sharp knife.
- Unfurl the cut pasta strips and dust with additional flour to prevent clumping.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and carefully add the fresh pasta.
- Cook the fresh pasta for 1-2 minutes until it floats to the surface and appears slightly translucent.
- Drain the pasta immediately and serve with your preferred sauce or preparation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Flour: While all-purpose flour works great, using '00' flour can give your pasta an even silkier texture. If you can find it, give it a try!
- Resting Time is Key: Allowing your dough to rest for 30 minutes is crucial. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a more tender pasta.
- Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the dough. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Flour Generously: To prevent sticking while rolling out the pasta, be generous with flour on your work surface and the dough. This will make your life easier and your pasta smoother!
- Cook with Care: Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta. Keep an eye on it and taste a piece after 1 minute to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
- Pair with Simple Sauces: Fresh pasta shines best with light sauces. Consider tossing it with olive oil, fresh herbs, and grated cheese for a simple yet delicious dish.
- Experiment with Shapes: Once you master the basics, don’t hesitate to try different pasta shapes like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even stuffed pasta like ravioli!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 11g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
