Pasta! How to feel like an Italian for 1 hour

Here’s a recipe for making Italian pasta from scratch. You will appreciate this.

Ingredients: (drumrolls)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Water (if needed)
• Your will and love to create food

Instructions:

1. Create a well:
   • On a clean work surface, pour the flour and create a well in the center. The well should be deep enough to hold the eggs.
2. Add the eggs:
   • Crack the eggs into the well. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs.
3. Combine the ingredients:
   • Slowly start incorporating the flour into the beaten eggs, using the fork or your hands.
   • Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
4. Knead the dough:
   • Once the dough has come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.
   • Knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
5. Rest the dough:
   • Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps to relax the gluten and make the dough easier to roll out.
6. Roll out the dough:
   • After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions.
   • Take one portion and flatten it with your hand.
   • Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Continue rolling until you achieve the desired thickness, keeping in mind that the pasta will expand when cooked.
7. Cut the pasta:
   • Once the dough is rolled out, you can cut it into your desired pasta shapes. Common options include fettuccine, spaghetti, or farfalle.
   • You can use a knife to cut the dough into strips for fettuccine or spaghetti. For farfalle, cut small rectangles and pinch them in the center to form the bow-tie shape.
8. Cook the pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the fresh pasta and cook for a few minutes until al dente. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the pasta, so it’s best to check for doneness by tasting.
9. Drain and serve:
   • Once the pasta is cooked to your desired texture, drain it in a colander.
   • Serve the fresh pasta immediately with your favorite sauce or toppings.

Making homemade pasta can be a fun and rewarding experience. It may take some practice to get the technique right, but with time, you’ll be able to create delicious Italian pasta from scratch. Enjoy!