How to make pasta from scratch – without the hassle
Fresh pasta is super tasty, with a delicate texture that absorbs sauces well. It’s no wonder we all aspire to make pasta from scratch. But it can be a challenge to fit making homemade pasta into busy family life, which is why we often reach for the ready-made pasta. But did you know that with the right tips and tools, you can make your own pasta at home quickly and easily? Want to know how to make pasta dough like a professional, without taking all day? You’ve come to the right place!
Ingredients to make pasta: The basics
Pasta dough ingredients are surprisingly straightforward. In fact, you’ve probably already got everything you need in your kitchen cupboard. A good pasta dough starts with two basics: flour and eggs. For the flour, you can try any of the following options:
After you’ve chosen your flour, you’ll need something to bind your dough. Most people use eggs, but you could also use water if you want to avoid dairy or just egg whites or egg yolks. The fat and protein in eggs will make a richer-tasting dough, while using water will make a lighter colored pasta.
Easy homemade pasta dough recipe
If you’d like to make your own pasta dough, it couldn’t be simpler with this recipe. You’ll have fresh, bouncy homemade pasta that the whole family will love in no time. You just need four ingredients and either a good pasta maker or a bit of elbow grease! Ingredients Tip for eggless pasta: If you want an egg-free pasta that’s just as delicious, you can mix 2 cups of semolina flour and half a cup of water plus salt (if the mixture is too dry, add more water until the dough holds together).
How to make the dough by hand
Making pasta dough by hand is straightforward when you know how, but you’ll need to set aside time for mixing, kneading and extruding. 1. First, sift the flour onto your work surface, before making a well in the middle of it. Break your eggs into the well, then add your salt and olive oil. Using your hands, mix together the eggs and flour until you have a firm dough, then knead for about five minutes. 2. Once your dough is kneaded, put it in a sealed plastic bag and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
How to make the dough by hand
Making pasta dough by hand is straightforward when you know how, but you’ll need to set aside time for mixing, kneading and extruding. 1. First, sift the flour onto your work surface, before making a well in the middle of it. Break your eggs into the well, then add your salt and olive oil. Using your hands, mix together the eggs and flour until you have a firm dough, then knead for about five minutes. 2. Once your dough is kneaded, put it in a sealed plastic bag and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. 3. Once your dough has rested, you can then make it into pasta shapes. Roll it out flat and use a cookie cutter to cut out square shapes and pinch in the middle for farfalle or use a pastry cutter to cut long ribbons of pappardelle. When making egg-free pasta, pour the water into your dough until it is wet enough that is forms a stiff dough. If the dough appears too dry, add more water by the tablespoon.
How to make homemade pasta dough using a pasta maker
1. Select your program and preferred pasta or noodle cut. 2. Add your pasta dough ingredients and press the start button. The machine will mix, knead and extrude all in one go so you can start enjoying fresh pasta in as little as 10 minutes.
