How to Make Pasta - Without a Machine

Summary

Learn how to make simple, homemade pasta from scratch with just a few basic ingredients you likely already have at home. In this step-by-step video, I show you how to prepare the dough, knead it, rest it, and roll it out into tagliatelle. You’ll get tips on adjusting dough texture and how to cook fresh pasta in just 2-3 minutes. Perfect for beginners, this recipe is easy, fun, and great for anyone missing store-bought pasta. Follow along, and don’t forget to subscribe for more pasta recipes all week long!

Takeaways

• 😀 Wash your hands and sanitize your work surface before starting the recipe.
• 🍝 This homemade pasta recipe is simple and requires ingredients you likely already have at home.
• 🥚 The dough consists of just four ingredients: flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt.
• 🥄 Start by creating a well in the flour and adding the eggs, oil, and salt in the center.
• 🍴 Gradually mix the flour into the eggs using a fork until a dough forms, then bring it together by hand.
• 💧 Adjust the dough’s texture by adding water if it’s too dry or flour if it’s too wet.
• 🤲 Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, taut, and springs back when pressed.
• ⏱️ Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll.
• 🔪 Roll the dough into a thin sheet, folding it and rolling it three times to improve texture.
• 🍝 Once rolled out, cut the dough into your preferred pasta shape, like tagliatelle.
• 🍽️ Fresh pasta cooks quickly—only 2 to 3 minutes in boiling salted water—and can be served with a simple sauce.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of this video?

The video demonstrates how to make a simple, homemade pasta dough using basic ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen. It’s aimed at showing that homemade pasta can be easy to prepare even when store-bought pasta isn't available.

What are the key ingredients needed for the pasta dough?

The key ingredients for the pasta dough are 2 cups of flour, 3 eggs, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Why is it important to wash your hands and sanitize your work surface?

It’s important to wash your hands and sanitize your work surface to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination while handling food.

How do you know when the pasta dough is ready after kneading?

The dough is ready when it becomes smooth and taut, and when you push a finger into the dough, it springs back.

What is the purpose of letting the dough rest for 30 minutes?

Letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and shape.

What does 'laminating the dough' mean in the context of pasta making?

Laminating the dough involves folding the dough in thirds and then rolling it out, repeating the process multiple times to create layers. This technique helps in achieving a more elastic and smooth texture in the dough.

Why does the dough sometimes shrink back when rolling it out?

The dough may shrink back due to the gluten tightening. Letting the dough rest for a few minutes allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out.

How thin should the dough be when you're ready to cut it into pasta shapes?

The dough should be thin enough to see the color of your fingers through it. This ensures that the pasta will cook evenly and have a delicate texture.

How can you prevent the cut pasta from sticking together before cooking it?

To prevent the pasta from sticking, lightly dust the cut pasta with flour and gently toss it before cooking.

How long does fresh pasta take to cook?

Fresh pasta cooks quickly, usually in about 2 to 3 minutes in salted boiling water.

What kind of sauce does the presenter serve the pasta with in the video?

The presenter serves the fresh pasta with a simple tomato sauce, which they mention is easy to make and will be linked in the description for viewers.

What is the benefit of making homemade pasta as opposed to buying it at the store?

Homemade pasta allows for greater control over ingredients and texture, and it can be made even when store-bought pasta is unavailable. It's also a fun, rewarding process that allows for customization of the dough and pasta shapes.