Pasta Night!

I have a Love for Making Pasta

Tagliatelle with Sous Vide Ox tail ragu I made last night

There is something about the process that is meditative for me.

It is such a simple thing, but it is an art to make great pasta.

So you want to make some pasta from scratch?



Some things to think about before you dive in.

Flour

wheat flour or durum flour?

Shape

fettucini, tagliatelle, pappardelle, ravioli, etc.

Eggs:

Always fresh, organic if possible.

Equipment:

Rolling pin, bench knife, and sharp chefs knife.

Once you figure out these things, and gather equipment you are ready.

Flour/ Egg Ratio

There is a simple trick for ratios.

1 cup of flour, 2 eggs, serves 3 people. Now of course this isn't going to be good if you have someone who eats more than average. But its ok you can just keep the same ratio, just go up one, so 2 cups flour, 3 eggs, serves 4 people.

Mixing:

Now you are ready to start mixing, Sift your flour for a non clumpy dough, add a pinch of salt.
Put the flour salt mixture on a clean surface, and shape into a well.

Now separate all the yolks from the whites.

Add the yolks to the middle of the well, also add a couple tablespoons of olive oil.

Now with a fork, start mixing the flour with the eggs, gradually towards the center.

Once you form into a ball, scrape the surface with your bench knife, and dust surface with flower.


Kneading:

Your dough may be a little wet, if so just add a little flour.
your dough may be a little dry, if so just add a little water.

Now knead your dough until smooth, and springs back when you press into it with your finger.


Rest:

Now let your dough rest for about 30 minutes.

Take this time to clean up your mess.

Rolling:

You dont necessarily need a rolling machine to make pasta, but it makes it much easier.

Cut your dough into 4 even pieces.

Now with your hands, shape the pieces into flat squares.

Roll out to desired thickness.

Dust both sides of sheet with flour.

Now roll up sheet like a carpet.

Trim ends off with sharp knife.

Now Cut shape desired.(like picture)


Cooking:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Cooking time Depends on your cut of pasta,
Anywhere from 2 minutes to 7 minutes.

Cook until Al Dente.

Strain pasta, you can keep some of the water if you need to thin out your sauce.

tossing in olive oil is optional.