Hello Everyone! Welcome to SasVibe. Pasta is a beloved dish that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of food enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s a creamy Alfredo or a tangy Marinara, the foundation of any great pasta dish is the pasta itself. Making pasta at home can be a delightful and rewarding experience, and with this simple guide, you can create a delicious homemade pasta meal that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
To make homemade pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
For the pasta sauce, you can choose any of your favorites. Here’s a quick recipe for a classic Marinara sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- A handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Method of Preparation
Making the Pasta Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: On a clean surface, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt and olive oil. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the edges of the well.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
- Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps to relax the gluten and makes rolling out the dough easier.
Rolling and Cutting the Pasta
- Roll Out the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into four pieces. Flatten one piece slightly with your hands and pass it through a pasta machine on the widest setting. Fold the dough in half and pass it through again. Repeat this process a few times, gradually reducing the thickness setting each time until the pasta is the desired thickness.
- Cut the Pasta: Once rolled out, cut the pasta sheets into your desired shape using the pasta machine or a sharp knife. Common shapes include fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle.
- Dry the Pasta: Lay the cut pasta on a floured surface or hang it on a pasta drying rack for about 15 minutes to dry slightly before cooking.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes or until it floats to the top and is al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if not serving immediately.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the sugar, salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Marinara sauce and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pasta
With this straightforward recipe, making pasta from scratch can be an enjoyable culinary adventure. The satisfaction of creating a delicious dish with your own hands is incomparable. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the art of pasta making. Buon Appetito!
