Pasta

There are many recipes for pasta, this is one that always turns out just right. There is no salt or oil! Just add a little water as required.

For 3-4 Persons

  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup flour

For 5-6 Persons

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 1/4 cup flour

For 7-8 Persons

  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups flour

The traditional way

Place the flour on counter, form a well, add the eggs, break with fingers, fold flour in from the sides, mix till smooth but dry, form a ball, knead until your hands ache, roll out with an Italian rolling stick. After you have done this once -- to get the real Italian experience then try the smart way.

The smart way

Place the flour in a food processor, add the eggs and pulse on and off, add a drop or so of water until the mixture falls from the side of the bowl.

Place on counter, make a ball, knead a few times, cover with a cloth and let sit for 10 minutes or so.

Rolling the Pasta by Hand

Some recipes call for sheets of pasta, you'll have to roll the pasta by hand. Use a real Italian pasta rolling pin. No handles and tapered. Cut off small piece of pasta, pat down with hand and roll with the stick. Push away from the middle working out to the sides.

Rolling the Pasta by Machine

Now this is making pasta. The machine does the bulk of kneading for you. Cut off a small pieces, run through the rollers at the widest setting, fold over, run through again. Continue 3-4 times for each of the settings. The pasta changes consistency as you work with it. Let it dry for 10 minutes or so on the counter, rub some flour on top. Do not let it sit too long or the sides will start to crack. Run through the machine on desired cutting blade, let dry for 10-15 minutes and then use.

Cooking Pasta

Boil water, add salt and a little oil, add fresh pasta. It will cook in about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander, put back in pot, add butter and a spoon or so of whatever sauce you are using and mix. Running the pasta in cold water only washes the starch off -- you want the starch for the sauce to stick to!