Unlock the world of homemade pasta with this versatile Basic Pasta recipe. Whether you have a craving for fresh ravioli, silky fettuccine, ribbon-like tagliatelle, or a comforting lasagna, this dough is your blank canvas for creating culinary delights in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of kneading, you’ll be well on your way to crafting your pasta masterpiece.
Yields just under 2 pounds of fresh pasta
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (for a vegan alternative, egg substitute or 1/4 cup hot water can be used)
- 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 3 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs (or your chosen vegan alternative), 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons of cold water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Blend in the Food Processor: Place the flour, eggs, cold water, salt, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse the ingredients together until they are well blended. Be cautious not to overwork the dough in the food processor; the goal is to combine the ingredients thoroughly without overheating the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough from the food processor to a clean work surface. Now, it’s time to give it some love and attention. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and highly elastic. The dough will be quite stiff, so expect to exert some effort during this process.
- Divide the Dough: Once your dough is perfectly kneaded, divide it into 4 equal pieces. This will make it more manageable to work with, especially when rolling it out.
- Rest the Dough: It’s a good practice to allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This brief resting period helps relax the gluten and makes the dough more pliable.
- Roll Out the Dough: If you have a pasta-rolling machine, you can easily follow the manufacturer’s instructions to roll out the dough. These machines are readily available, affordable (usually around $20), and make the process a breeze. If you prefer the hands-on approach, here’s what you can do:
- Flatten one of the dough pieces and place it on a floured work surface.
- Roll the dough from the center out, turning the circle a quarter turn every few moments.
- When the dough reaches a thickness of about 1/16 inch, wrap half of it around the rolling pin.
- Gently draw the dough away from yourself, stretching it thin.
- Repeat this rolling and stretching process until the dough is thin enough to see your hand through.
Repeat these steps with the remaining dough pieces, and you’ll have a beautiful canvas of fresh pasta ready to be transformed into your favorite dishes. Homemade pasta brings a unique, fresh taste to your meals, and the satisfaction of crafting it yourself makes each bite even more delightful. Enjoy experimenting with various pasta shapes and sauces to create a culinary masterpiece of your own!
