How To Cut Pasta By Hand

Cutting and Shaping Pasta by Hand

The forms and sizes of homemade pasta can be varied, although the variety is restricted in contrast to dried pastas produced by industrial processes. Hand cutting can be used to create some shapes and sizes, but a machine and specific cutting rollers and dies are required to create many others. Below is a list of some of the most popular shapes and sizes that may be formed using handmade pasta, as well as instructions on how to cut them.

Noodles:After the rolled out pasta sheet has dried for approximately 15minutes, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Dust the sheetlightly with flour.
  • Fold a 2 to 3 inch piece of spaghetti up and away from you, starting at the end that is closest to you. Maintain this folding motion until the entire spaghetti sheet is rolled into a flattened roll away from you.
  • To make your selected sort of spaghetti noodle, cut across the flattened roll with a sharp knife to create the width you want. Tagliatelle should be cut at 14 inches
  • Fettuccine should be cut at 1/6 to 1/5 inch (significantly smaller than tagliatelle)
  • Linguine should be cut at 1/8 inch or less
  • Tagliolini should be cut at 1/8 inch or less
  • Tagliarini should be cut at 1/16 to less than 1/8 inch
  • To assemble, unroll the folded noodles and spread them out on a lightly floured surface, a floured dish towel, or a floured dish towel draped over the back of a chair. Allow for a minimum of 15 minutes of drying time before preparing them. The drying phase will allow the noodles to firm up a little bit, which will assist to avoid them from clinging to one another
  • And
Lasagne / Cannelloni / Pappardelle: After the rolled out pasta sheets have dried for approximately15 minutes, place one on a lightly floured work surface.
  • To square off the edges, use a knife or a fluted pastry wheel to cut the pasta sheet into pieces that are a good size for the sizesheets you will be cutting later. The size of a 9 x 13 inch sheet is ideal for 3 x 13 inch lasagne strips, and the size of a 7 x 10 inch sheet is ideal for 3 1/2 x 5 inch rectangular lasagne sheets.
For various pasta types, cut according to steps shown below forlasagne, cannelloni, and pappardelle.
  • It is possible to cut lasagna into strips in a number of different ways. It may be sliced into long strips or into rectangles. It can also be baked. Strips are typically 3 to 3 12 inches broad by 13 inches long, depending on the manufacturer. Wavy edges are created with the help of an inverted fluted pastry wheel, but straight edges are achieved with the help of a knife.
  • In order to create a straight edge on the rectangle lasagne sheets, the rectangle lasagne pieces are generally cut to approximately 3 12 by 5 or 4 by 6 inches. To determine what size to use, take into consideration the size of the baking dish that will be used and choose a size that will work best for the dish
  • In the same way that lasagne is sliced into rectangles, cannelloni can be cut into the same form as lasagne. Cut to a size that is most appropriate for your baking dish, which is often 3 x 4 or 4 x 4 inches
  • A flat sheet of pasta can be cut into noodles, or it can be cut into strips from a flat sheet of pasta, as specified in the “Noodles” section. Pappardelle is sliced into strips that are 3 inches wide. They can be sliced with a knife or a pastry wheel with flutes on one side. A ruler may be used to help ensure that the strips are straight and uniform in width throughout the project.
  • Prepare a lightly floured board or a floured dish towel on which to spread the spaghetti. Before cooking, lightly dust the pieces with flour and let them aside to dry for at least 15 minutes. The drying phase will allow the noodles to firm up a little bit, which will assist to avoid them from clinging to one another.
Farfalle:After the rolled out pasta sheet has dried for approximately 15minutes, place it on a lightly floured work surface.
  • Farfalles are made from squares varying in size from 1 12 to 2 12 inches in size. Using a straight or fluted pastry wheel, cut the necessary size squares from the sheet of pasta, keeping the pieces consistent in size with the aid of a ruler. First, cut the sheet into 2 inch strips if you’re making squares 2 inches in size.
  • Strips should be cut at 2 inch intervals throughout the width to produce 2 inch squares.
  • Cut squares in half to produce rectangles measuring 1 x 2 inches
  • Use your thumb and fingers to pinch rectangles together in the centre of the long side, forming butterfly or bow tie forms. It is necessary to wet the fingers and squeeze the forms again if they do not hold.
  • Prepare a lightly floured board or a floured dish towel on which to spread the spaghetti. Before cooking, lightly dust the pieces with flour and let them aside to dry for at least 15 minutes. The drying phase will allow the spaghetti to firm up a little bit and will aid in preventing them from clinging to one another.
Quadrucci:After the rolled out pasta sheets have dried for approximately15 minutes, place a sheet on a lightly floured work surface.
  • Stack the remaining papers on top of one another. Before laying the next layer on top of the previous one, lightly sprinkle each layer with flour. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the stack of pasta sheets into 4 inch strips, cutting through all layers of noodle sheets.
  • Cut across the four-inch-wide strips to produce four-inch strips that are the width of the size square you want to achieve. The most often encountered sizes for quadrucci pasta are 3/8, 11.2, and 34% inch squares. If you want 12 quadrucci, cut the strips 12 inches wide
  • Otherwise, cut the strips 12 inches wide.
  • Cut the 4 x 12 inch strips at 12 inch intervals throughout the length to form 12 inch square pasta pieces
  • Partially dust a work surface or lightly floured dish towel and spread out the squares. Before cooking, gently dust the squares with flour and allow them to dry for at least 15 minutes before continuing. The drying phase will allow the spaghetti to firm up a little bit and will aid in preventing them from clinging to one another.
Fusilli:After the rolled out pasta sheets have dried for approximately15 minutes, place a sheet on a lightly floured work surface.
  • Cut the pasta sheet into 3 inch strips with a sharp knife
  • Set the strips aside.
  • 3 inch strips are cut across the grain to generate roughly 1/16 x 3 inch strips.
  • To wrap the strips, carefully wrap them around a greased woodenstick, one at a time. Remove the strips from the stick with care and set them on a floured surface. The shapes should be reminiscent of a spring. Allow the pasta to dry before boiling it.
Garganelli:After the rolled out pasta sheets have dried for approximately15 minutes, place a sheet on a lightly floured work surface.
  • Cut the sheet into two or two and a half inch broad strips using a sharp knife. Squares may be formed by cutting across strips at 2 or 2 12 inch intervals.
  • Starting in one corner of the square, roll the pasta around a floured wooden stick with a diameter of 14 inches or less, starting in one corner of the square. If you want the pasta to have a grooved surface, set the square of pasta on a grooved board and roll it on the wooden stick while applying pressure to create grooves on the outside surface.
Carefully slide the rolled pasta off the stick. To prevent thepasta from becoming flattened, do not squeeze it as it is pulledoff the stick.
  • Before frying the garganelli tubes, spread them out on a lightly floured board and allow them to dry for at least 15 minutes. The drying phase will allow the spaghetti to firm up a little bit and will aid in preventing them from clinging to one another.
Maltagliati:After the rolled out pasta sheets have dried for approximately15 minutes, place a sheet on a lightly floured work surface.
  • Lightly coat the pasta sheet with flour, and then, beginning from one end, fold over a 2 inch strip of the pasta sheet. Continue to fold this end over until you have a flattened roll at the end of it.
  • Using a straight edge, trim across one end of the strip to make it straight. From the straightened edge, cut diagonally across the board to remove each corner, leaving a pointed end on either end. Slice diagonally across the strip, removing the tip and producing a straight edge once again
  • Continue to cut off the corners diagonally and then the pointed end of the strip until the entire strip has been cut up to this point. Don’t be concerned with cutting pieces precisely the same way each time you make them. Matagliati literally translates as “badly cut,” therefore misshaped chunks should be expected.
  • Separate the layers into single pieces once they have been cut and set on a lightly floured board for at least 15 minutes before cooking. The drying phase will allow the spaghetti to firm up a little bit and will aid in preventing them from clinging to one another.
Orecchiette:Orecchiette are generally made from flour and water dough. Theflour and water are mixed together and kneaded in the same manneras the egg pasta dough but is not rolled out into sheets.
  • After the pieces have been cut, separate the layers into single pieces and set on a lightly floured surface, allowing the pasta to dry for at least 15 minutes prior to cooking. Drying will allow the spaghetti to firm up slightly and will aid in preventing them from clinging to one another.
  • Begin rolling the dough back and forth in the palms of your hands on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Continue to roll the pasta dough until it forms a tube that is approximately 3/8 inch in diameter. Lightly dust the work surface as well as your hands if the dough gets too sticky.
  • To begin, start at one end of the wrapped pasta and cut out pieces that are just less than 3/8 inch thick using a sharp knife
  • Use flour to coat the palm of your hand before placing one of the pieces in the center of your palm. Take your thumb and press it into the center of the pieces of pasta with your other hand to make a disk-shaped pasta. If the dough gets too sticky, lightly coat your hand and thumb with flour before using it. In the end, the shape that is formed is comparable to that of an ear.
  • If necessary, set each piece on a lightly floured surface to dry for at least 15 minutes before cooking. The drying phase will allow the spaghetti to firm up a little bit and will assist to prevent them from clinging to one another.
Orecchiette can be air dried and stored for severalmonths at room temperature. It may take 24 or more hours to dry completely.Cut one open to check for dryness. If you cannot cut it with a knifeit is dried sufficiently. If you cut it open and it is still dampin the middle, it requires more drying.

how to make fresh pasta by hand (without a machine)

Last month, I was invited to a blogger-only event at Borough Market, which happens to be my favorite food market in the entire city of London (and possibly the world). This month, the featured chef at Leith’s School of Cuisine and Wine is Ursula Ferrigno, an Italian food specialist who appears often on BBC Good Food and who also teaches at my alma mater, Leith’s School of Food and Wine. Fresh spaghetti and other simple pasta recipes were taught to me by Ursula and other bloggers over a few hours of hands-on training.

  1. Was.
  2. Life-Changing.
  3. Making pasta from home has always been quite frightening to me, and frankly, it’s completely out of my comfort zone.
  4. Despite the fact that my ancestors originated noodles, the countless forms, sizes, and varieties of Italian pasta have always remained a mystery to me.
  5. According to what we found out, Ursula Ferrigno demonstrated a simple pasta recipe, as well as a method for creating pasta by hand, that couldn’t be more plain.
  6. By the time you’ve finished kneading it, it should have the consistency of chilled silly putty.
  7. The nicest aspect about this process is that it does not necessitate the use of a machine, although I do possess this classic, reasonably priced Atlas machine.
  8. There are the gears, the folding, and the question of where to dry the pasta, to name a few things.
  9. The noodles that this simple pasta recipe makes are just stunning — they have just the perfect amount of bite and a delectable combination of doughiness.
  10. For the sake of argument, I could easily double the recipe and serve it in dinner-sized servings, but I don’t want to treat my family by allowing them to believe that they can come home after a hard day and sit down to a meal of fresh pasta on a regular basis.

Right, it’s referred to as “controlling expectations.” what is the best way to cook fresh spaghetti (without a machine)

  • The Borough Market, my favorite food market in all of London, had a blogger-only event last month, which I attended (and possibly the world). Featured chef at Edinburgh’s School of Cuisine and Wine this month is Ursula Ferrigno, an Italian food specialist who appears often on BBC Good Food and who also teaches at my alma school, the Leith’s School of Food and Wine. Fresh spaghetti and other simple pasta dishes were shown to me by Ursula and other bloggers over a few hours of hands-on training. I’d never heard of anything like that before. Making pasta from scratch has always seemed to me to be a daunting task that was beyond of my comfort zone, to say the least. Sadly, I do not have an Italiannonna in my household (grandmother). The countless forms, sizes, and varieties of Italian pasta have always been a mystery to me, despite the fact that my family originated noodles. Mystery, maybe, but it’s a delicious and lovely mystery. According to what we found out, Ursula Ferrigno demonstrated a simple pasta recipe, as well as a method for creating pasta by hand, that couldn’t have been simpler. Create sure your dough is flexible and smooth before you begin to make your pasta. By the time you’ve finished kneading it, it should have the consistency of chilled silly putty. If your dough is sticky, pillowy, or breaks easily, I’m sorry to tell, but you’re not going to be able to produce nice pasta out of this. Most importantly, you do not require a machine to use this approach, although I do possess this vintage and reasonably priced Atlas machine. In the hopes of using my pasta machine all the time after finishing culinary school, I purchased one. However, the fact of the matter is that I am apprehensive about working with it at this point. There are the gears, the folding, and the question of where to dry the pasta, to name a few considerations. Fortunately, because the pasta dries out as you roll and cut it by hand, the only thing you have to do with it once it’s finished is sprinkle it with some more semolina flour. With just the proper amount of bite and a delectable blend of doughiness, the noodles produced by this simple pasta recipe are really stunning! I appreciate that this recipe allows me to prepare enough spaghetti for appetizers for my entire family. Even if it’s simple to double the recipe and serve it in dinner-sized amounts, it would be a shame to treat my family by making them believe that they can come home after a hard day and sit down to a meal of freshly made pasta on a regular basis. You know what they say about managing expectations. what is the best way to make homemade spaghetti (without a machine)
  1. On a level surface, combine the flours and form a well in the center of the mixture. Crack two eggs into the centre of the pan and drizzle in the oil
  2. The eggs should be whisked together with a fork until they are light and fluffy. Continue to incorporate the flours into the center in small increments until you feel confident in your ability to form a cohesive dough. Begin kneading the pasta dough with the fleshy part of your palms until the pasta dough is smooth and silky, about 5 to 10 minutes. Wrap the pasta in plastic wrap once it has been flattened into a disk. Refrigerate for 10 minutes before using. Cut the dough in half and roll it into a ball after it has been chilled for 30 minutes. Make a good long oval shape out of the dough by spreading it out with a large rolling pin and shaping the sides as you go. Continue to roll the dough until it is thin enough that you can see the outline of your hand through it, about 1/8 inch thick. Fold the ends of the dough in toward the centre, then fold the folded ends in again toward the middle. Repeat the process with the other ends of the dough. Repeat the process once more. Trim the edges of the folded spaghetti, and then start cutting tiny strips from the folded noodles. Pass your knife through the folds of the pasta, shaking it to free any noodle strands that have stuck together
  3. Cook the pasta for approximately 4 minutes in generously salted water until it is al dente. Season with grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and additional drizzles of olive oil before serving.
Looking for more pasta recipes? Check these out:

  • Traditional Pomodoro pasta, gluten-free roasted eggplant pasta, wild garlic pesto orechiette, and classic mac and cheese are all options.
Like this way of making pasta? Pin it for later!

Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Making pasta from home has been a part of my life for almost eight years now, frequently with a child perched on each hip and without the aid of a pasta maker. When it comes to experimenting in the kitchen, gadgets may often be a hindrance. However, a tiny kitchen or a lack of financial resources should not impede anyone from creating delectable home-cooked meals. I’ve discovered that the majority of meals may be prepared with only a few simple instruments that can be used for various purposes.

Video: How to Make Homemade Pasta

Please also visit our Simply Kids CookYouTube series to see our Senior Editor Summer Miller prepare this meal with her children as part of our Simply Kids Cook YouTube series!

How to Make Homemade Pasta

A rolling pin is used to imitate the motion of a pasta maker while making pasta by hand: roll a tiny piece of dough out until it is paper thin, much like you would with a machine. Then, using a knife, cut it into individual noodles to make it more appealing. Even while it takes a bit more energy and time, it is possible to get the same thinness of the pasta as you would with a machine. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City.

Homemade Pasta on Your Schedule

A rolling pin is used to imitate the motion of a pasta maker when making pasta by hand: roll a tiny amount of dough out until it is paper thin, then cut it into shapes. After that, cut it into individual noodles with a knife. Even while it takes a bit more energy and time, it is possible to achieve the same thickness of pasta as you would achieve by using a machine. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York, USA. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York, USA.

  • Wrapping a ball of pasta dough in plastic wrap can help it to stay frozen longer. Then, place it into a zip-top bag and squeeze out all of the air from it (no need for oil). When you are ready to prepare the pasta the next morning, just transfer it from the freezer to your counter top. After you have rolled out and cut the noodles, they will be ready later that afternoon
  • You can also freeze the cut noodles. If I’m making handmade pasta, I usually make a large quantity and freeze the leftover noodles for those times when I need a little more carbohydrate. Even when cooked directly from the freezer, handmade noodles cook far more quickly than dry spaghetti from the supermarket, making them ideal for quick evening meals.

Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City.

Tips for Making Homemade Pasa

  • Don’t be alarmed if the eggs break through the flour while you’re mixing. Push some extra flour up against the break-through with your hand and continue to mix until the dough is smooth. A bench scraper is also quite handy in this situation since it allows you to sweep up a large amount of mess in a short amount of time. Keep it close at hand if you have one. It is critical to let the dough to rest before rolling it out: This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it simpler to roll out. When you roll out pasta by hand rather than using a machine, there is a significant difference in results. If your spaghetti becomes too sticky at any stage throughout the cooking process, add extra flour, a teaspoon at a time. Remember to sprinkle your countertop with flour at regular intervals as you’re rolling it out. In addition, it is critical to properly dust the rolled-out pasta with flour before folding or rolling the dough to cut it into the required form. If the dough begins to “snap back” as you roll it out, do the following: For 5 to 10 minutes, take a break and let it rest (to give the gluten a chance to relax). Then try rolling it once more
  • It should work this time. Preparing frozen noodles consists of the following steps: Without thawing, you may use frozen noodles directly out of the freezer. Don’t leave them out to defrost on the counter while you finish up the rest of your supper preparations. Condensation or ice crystals may occur within the bag from time to time. While they are thawing, this can cause your noodles to become soggy and clump together.

Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City.

What to Make With Homemade Pasta

With the same recipe and rolling method, you can easily produce thin linguini noodles, lasagna noodles, ravioli, tortellini, and any other type of pasta you can think of. Combine this pasta with your favorite sauce for a fast and simple weeknight supper, or add them to your favorite homemade chicken noodle soup recipe for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Sauces to Serve With Homemade Pasta

  • A basic tomato sauce, a Bolognese meat sauce, a make-ahead Alfredo sauce, fresh basil pesto, and mushroom sugo
  • A basic tomato sauce, a Bolognese meat sauce, a make-ahead Alfredo sauce

Quick Pasta: If you’re in a hurry, you may skip Step 4 and roll out the pasta directly once it is finished. After that, cut the meat into strips with a pizza cutter. You have the option of cutting lengthwise, crosswise, or even on the diagonal, depending on your preference. This results in a more rustic pasta meal that is yet tasty.

  • 2-and-a-half cups (350g)all-purpose flour, plus more flour for dusting and rolling
  • 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 big eggs and 1 egg yolk
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt
  1. To make the dough, combine the following ingredients: Place the flour in a large mound on the kitchen counter. Using a huge hole or crater in the center, make a bowl-shaped well or crater large enough to house the eggs and olive oil. Fill the well with the eggs, yolks, olive oil, and salt, and set aside. Whisk the eggs and oil together with a fork until well combined. Continue whisking the eggs, but begin removing flour specks from the bottom of the well as you go. Make use of a steady, circular motion when stirring to avoid any eggs breaking through the bowl of flour. (Don’t be alarmed if the eggs break through the flour while you’re mixing. Continue mixing after pushing some extra flour up against the break-through with your hand or a bench scraper. Continue in this manner until the dough begins to come together and the eggs have been thoroughly integrated into the dough. In some areas, the dough will be moist and thick, while in others, it will be loose. Even after all of that, the mixture will still be fairly floury. That’s OK with me. Continue to knead the dough with your hands or a bench scraper until it comes together. To cut it into the remainder of the dough, I used my bench scraper to scoop up the wet and crumbled dough and fold it in half. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Make a ball of the dough and knead it for 10 minutes against the counter, according to Alison Conklin. When the dough is pretty cohesive but still little scraggly, shape it into a loaf and bake it for 30 minutes. The dough will be tough at first, but as you continue to knead it, it should begin to tighten and smooth out. If the dough begins to stick to your hands, sprinkle a little extra flour on the counter top before continuing. If the dough becomes too firm, a teaspoon of water can be added. More water or flour can be added a teaspoon at a time to get the desired texture. At the end of the process, you should have a soft, elastic dough that is not sticky and feels smooth to the touch, similar to a baby’s bottom. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin suggests wrapping the dough in plastic wrap and letting it sit on your counter for an hour before using it. Follow the instructions for the following stage after an hour, or refrigerate the dough for the next day (but not for more than 24 hours) or freeze the dough. When freezing pasta dough, cover it securely in plastic wrap to prevent it from expanding. After that, place it into a zip-top bag and push out as much air as possible. There is no need for oil.) Alison Conklin, “Roll out the pasta” (roll out the spaghetti) The dough should be shaped into a fat log and divided into 5 or 6 equal portions when it has completed resting. Leave one portion unwrapped and rewrap the remaining sections. (If you are working on a tiny counter, you may cut each piece in half again, which will result in less dough being used). Prepare your workstation by lightly flouring it and rolling out the dough into a long strip with your rolling pin. Lift the dough up with each pass of the rolling pin, re-dust the counter beneath it, and turn the dough over. Upon completion, you should have a long, thin piece of dough in your possession. It should be paper thin, yet robust enough to be lifted off the counter without squeaking. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin
  2. Fold the spaghetti strip in half like an accordion, loosely folding it: More flour should be sprinkled on the strip of dough. Starting with the short end, lightly fold the paper into an accordion shape to finish. (An accordion fold, such as the one seen below, is preferable to rolling the dough up like a cigar since it prevents the dough from clinging to itself better.) Alison Conklin is a writer and editor based in New York City. Alison Conklin
  3. Cut the stack into strips using the following method: Using a very sharp knife, cut the stack into thin strips across the folds of the paper. You may make the strips as thin or as thick as you like depending on your preference (like thin linguini or like wide fettuccine). However, make an effort to maintain consistency in the breadth. If this is not done, the noodles will cook at varying speeds. Alison Conklin, “Dry the Noodles” (Dry the Noodles) The noodles should be spread across your dining room table, kitchen island, or the back of a chair once they have been unrolled. Allow for approximately 15 minutes of drying time. Alison Conklin
  4. Repeat the process with the remaining dough: Continue to roll out and cut the remainder of the pasta until you’ve used up all of the remaining dough
  5. Use the noodles immediately or freeze them: The noodles will still be malleable, but they will be dry at this stage. They may either be consumed right away or frozen for later use. If you’re freezing the noodles, separate them into numerous little, loose bundles. Remember not to squeeze the noodles too much
  6. Simply gathering them together is sufficient. Place the noodle nests on a baking sheet that has been lightly dusted, and then freeze. Once frozen, move the nests to a big zipper bag and store in the freezer until you need them. The shelf life of frozen noodles is nine months. Preparation of the noodles: Alison Conklin Bring a large saucepan of well-seasoned water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is chewy and al dente, depending on whether it is fresh or frozen (taste one of the noodles to check). Toss with your preferred sauce before serving. Alison Conklin
  7. Alison Conklin
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
226 Calories
6g Fat
34g Carbs
9g Protein

Display the Complete Nutrition Label Hide the entire nutrition label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 226
% Daily Value*
Total Fat6g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol139mg 46%
Sodium178mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein9g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 92mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

The nutritional information has been estimated using an ingredient database and should be regarded as an educated guess at best.

When there are numerous ingredient alternatives mentioned, the first one listed is used to compute the nutritional value. There are no garnishes or extra ingredients listed in this recipe.

You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment to Make Fresh Pasta From Scratch

Please enjoy the following look inside the workings of my mind, which you most certainly did not ask for: I’m self-conscious while I’m eating fresh pasta. Or, at the very least, it did. For years, I was overwhelmed by the golden, glutenous aura that surrounded it, something that appeared to be simple yet was frequently marketed as a high-end undertaking. I was certain that creating and shaping pasta dough from home was completely out of my league because I lacked the necessary tools and specialised materials.

  1. To be sure, you may make a huge batch of dough with foreign flours and cut it into perfectly shaped pieces with complicated equipment and cutters.
  2. You don’t need much more than all-purpose flour, a rolling pin, and a knife to get that golden, glutenous glow on your own.
  3. “I learnt how to make fresh pasta by hand from my grandmother, who grew up on a farm in Calabria.” The same very simple procedures she used, nothing fancy, may be used to get quite astounding outcomes, as she demonstrated.
  4. ‘Pasta is something we eat a lot of in my family,’ she explains.
  5. “There is beauty in the imperfections of things that are made by hand.” The only true obstacle in preparing fresh pasta at home is learning to put your confidence in your own abilities.

In her words, “Feelingfood is something that previous generations have always done, but we are more dependant on technology today.” “When I ask my mother if I followed her recipe correctly, she responds, ‘Just feel it!’ The ability to trust your intuition is important, and getting your hands filthy is absolutely beneficial.” To learn how to make fresh pasta—and get a bit messy while doing so—follow the steps outlined in this article.

Pick your dough

Please enjoy the following insight inside the workings of my mind, which you most certainly did not request: It makes me feel uncomfortable to eat fresh spaghetti. That is, that appeared to be the case. Intimidated for years by the golden, glutenous aura that surrounded it, something seemingly simple but frequently advertised as a luxury effort, I finally gave in and made it. Making and shaping pasta dough from home seemed completely out of reach for me because I lacked the necessary tools and specialised supplies.

  1. With foreign flours and complicated equipment and cutters, you can make a lot of dough and shape it into precise shapes.
  2. You don’t need much more than all-purpose flour, a rolling pin, and a knife to get that golden, glutenous luster on your own.
  3. “I learned how to make fresh pasta by hand from my grandmother, who grew up on a farm in Calabria,” he adds.
  4. The results are rather stunning.” Similar sentiments are shared by cookbook author and food writerHetty McKinnon.
  5. The fact that it is simple and does not require perfection—in fact, it should not be—is appealing to me.
  6. Due of the lack of particular equipment, they will serve as your guides from beginning to end, which according to McKinnon, might be difficult for a modern home cook to do.

To learn how to make fresh pasta—and get a bit dirty while doing so—follow the steps outlined in this tutorial.

You Can Make Fresh Pasta With a.Cheese Grater?

Pasta Social Club photographer Meryl Feinstein captured this image. Pasta Social Club is a group of people who like eating pasta. Meryl Feinstein, Food52’s Resident Pasta Maker, community builder, and pastaia extraordinaire, writes a weekly piece for the site. Meryl will teach us all we need to know about pasta, from semolina to spaghetti to sauce, and she will demonstrate how pasta is a terrific way to meet new people and have a great time. When you encounter recipes for homemade pasta, they frequently include a lengthy list of gear, including rollers, cutters, stamps, molds, and drying racks, all of which take up valuable counter space.

  • The pad of your thumb, the tips of your fingers, and even the side of your palm are all excellent pasta-cutting tools to have around.
  • Yes, the possibilities (pastabilities?) are unlimited, and you don’t need any particular equipment to enjoy them.
  • They’re also created with durum wheat flour (semolina) and water, which is another ingredient.
  • Historically, eggs were out of reach for many people living in these areas.
  • For those who find the notion of making pasta from home intimidating (and I understand how it may be!
  • As a result, if you’re not happy with the appearance of a specific piece of spaghetti, simply scrunch it up and try it again until you’re satisfied.
  • I’ve listed some of my favorites below, as well as the common household things that may be used to make them.
  • Do you have any other questions?
  • It’s possible that this is all you’ll need—if even that!
  • These “tiny hollows” have a similar appearance to miniature seashells and are commonly created with the side of the thumb or the tips of two fingers
  • What it is What you’ll need is the following: A hardwood surface has been chosen. If you want to make the textural version, which is also known as gnocchetti sardi or malloreddus, take a fork or the back of a fork, fine cheese grater, meat mallet, crystal rocks glass, or the side of a ridged ramekin and go to work. How it’s created is as follows: Roll a part of the dough into a rope approximately 12 inches in diameter and cut it into pieces ranging from 12 to 1 inch in length. Push the dough forward over a wooden board or rough surface, pressing hard with the side and pad of your thumb, to form a hollow interior. Don’t be afraid to apply the pressure—you want them to be as hollow as possible so that they can reach for the sauce. What to pair it with: With hearty meat or vegetable-based sauces that are typically spicy, and topped with cheese, this dish is sure to please. A classic and delectable mix of broccoli, garlic, and chili is available
  • What it is is as follows: “Capunti,” which literally translates as “dug into,” is a handmade pasta from Puglia that is shaped to look like the interior of a bean pod. What you’ll need is the following: It’s in your hands
  • How it’s created is as follows: Roll a portion of dough into a long rope and cut it into pieces that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. To taper the ends of each piece, roll it back and forth between your hands while applying increasing pressure to the ends of each piece. Line up your three middle fingers across the thicker core of the dough and dig them into it with your index and middle fingers, then draw the dough firmly towards you in a single, assured motion. You should be able to flip the dough over and see a deep impression of your fingers on it. What to serve it with: You can serve it with almost anything, from vegetable-forward sauces to a spicy sausage ragù. Alternatively, you may try my recipe for a delicious roasted garlic sauce.
  • I’d have to say that these “small ears” are my favorite type of pasta if I were to choose one. Even while orecchiette may be found all across central and southern Italy, they’re most well-known in Bari, where a group of women has been shaping the design for several generations. The thick ridges on the outside are well suited for squeezing sauce out of the bottle. What you’ll need is the following: A wooden board and a butter knife with a serrated edge
  • How it’s created is as follows: Roll out a rope of dough and cut it into pieces that are approximately 34 inches in length. Keep your butter knife firmly in place at a 45-degree angle and draw the dough towards you, keeping the serrated edge moving, until it folds in on itself like a piece of cavatelli. By inversion, you may expose the rough core of the dough. If necessary, you can stretch the dough a little to form a little cup-like shape. The greater the amount of pressure you apply to the knife, the more prominent those ridges will become. What to pair it with: Although it is frequently prepared in the traditional way, with broccoli rabe and sausage, it also works well with vegetable sauces and beef ragu
  • It is also available in a variety of sizes.
  • What it is is as follows: Busiate are a hollow spiral-shaped pasta from Sicily that is reminiscent of a telephone wire in design. Traditionally, busiate were formed by rolling the dough along a busa, which was a native reed, until it was finished. Traditionally, a ferretto, which is a long metal rod, is used for this purpose. Me? I purchased a knitting needle and a set of wooden skewers from my local craft store, and they have proven to be excellent investments. What you’ll need is the following: A rolling pin and a fine knitting needle or a wooden skewer are both useful tools. How it’s created is as follows: With the use of a rolling pin, flatten a chunk of dough into a 14-inch plank, and then cut it into 1/2-inch strips. Roll the strips into thin ropes and cut them into lengths of approximately 4 inches. Place each piece upright on a wooden surface, and then insert the knitting needle at the top at a 45-degree angle—the result should appear like an upside-down V. Repeat for the other pieces. Roll the other end of the needle with the dough in a wide, downward curve while holding the bottom end of the needle in place. It will spontaneously coil into a spiral as a result of the force of gravity. Release the needle by gently twisting it. A dry dish towel or a semolina-floured tray can be used to keep busiate fresh for several hours or overnight to keep their form. What to pair it with: With pesto trapanese (a tomato- and almond-based pesto) or any lighter, vegetable-based sauce, for example
  • Lorighittas, which resemble little braided rings, are created exclusively in the Sardinian village of Morgongiori and have a long history of production. Because the pasta is so delicate, it has not been automated in its production—but don’t let that prevent you from trying it! They may take a long time to make, but they are well worth the effort, and they are especially rewarding when done as a group activity. What you’ll need is the following: Dexterity and patience are required. How it’s created is as follows: A portion of dough should be rolled into a long, extremely thin rope. Pinch the ends of the rope together to secure it after wrapping it around your three middle fingers twice. Remove your fingers and carefully grasp the loops where they cross each other. Starting at the bottom, where the ends have been sealed, carefully twist the strands together, as if you were winding a watch, until they are all connected. It is recommended that you watch thePasta Grannies YouTube video in order to get the full experience. Place the lorighittas on a dry dish towel or a baking pan dusted with semolina for several hours or overnight to ensure that they retain their form. What to pair it with: With a tomato-based sauce and a sprinkle of Pecorino, this dish is typically served with chicken.

What is your favorite type of hand-rolled pasta to eat and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. Meryl Feinstein is a chef and pastaia who left the corporate world in 2018 to pursue a career in the food industry. As soon as she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, Meryl got her start in the industry, working for renowned New York establishments Lilia and Misi, where she was a member of the pasta production team. It was during this time that Meryl founded Pasta Social Club, a platform that brings people together through a shared love of food, learning, and making connections both on and off the internet.

After moving to Austin, she now hosts virtual pasta-making workshops and develops recipes for her website. Her dishes are inspired by her travels through Italy, her ongoing research into the rich history of traditional pasta-making, as well as her Jewish ancestry.

Homemade Pasta

It is possible that this content contains affiliate links. Please take the time to read my disclosure policy. My favorite handmade pasta recipe has only four ingredients and can be cooked by hand, in a stand mixer, or in a food processor. In addition, there are instructions on how to roll out your pasta by hand or using a pasta maker. It seems like I’ve had an uncontrollable obsession with handmade pasta recently. And, oh my god, you guys, I am in love with it to the extreme. When Barclay and I returned from our trip to the Amalfi Coast last spring, we were certain that we wanted to make more authentic Italian food from scratch in our own small kitchen at home.

  • Consequently, this spring, Barclay set his eyes on making handmade mozzarella (more on that to come), while I returned home eager to plunge into the realm of homemade pastas, gnocchi, and breads of all types (more on that to come).
  • It turns out that making handmade pasta is even more enjoyable — as well as simple, tasty, and entertaining — than I had anticipated!
  • It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare the dough if you have a food processor, which is highly recommended.
  • For those who prefer to roll out pasta by hand, I’ve provided instructions below on how to do it with a stand mixer and a rolling pin as well.) I’ve also had a lot of fun experimenting with different types of pasta flour and determining which ones I prefer for particular situations.
  • However, we’ve really just been enjoying some delicious fresh spaghetti.
  • And it has immediately raised the quality of several of our favorite pasta dishes by several notches.
  • On a Friday night, I’m inviting a group of girls over to share a bottle of rosé as we make a batch of handmade pasta together.
  • Surprise friends and neighbors with a tupperware full of adorable little fresh pasta nests as presents, or make them yourself.
  • And if you’re a lover of very fantastic pasta, I have a feeling this may become one of your new favorite things as well.
  • I’ve attempted to provide a variety of approaches and alternatives that may be used with whatever you happen to have in your kitchen.

If you want to make handmade pasta, please experiment and find the way that works best for you – and please report back if you succeed! I’d be interested in hearing how things turn out.

Homemade Pasta Recipe | 1-Minute Video

Okay, before we get into the details of the recipe, here are a few crucial points to remember about the pasta components you will need to produce 1 pound of classic handmade egg pasta:

  • Flour: I truly enjoy making my own handmade pasta with “00” flour, which produces the silkiest spaghetti possible. In contrast, if I’m cooking a sauce that needs to be a little heartier, I’ll use half “00” flour and half semolina flour, which makes the pasta a little more robust and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta a little more effectively. After everything is said and done, any of the following three flours (or a mix of them) will work in this recipe:
  • “00” flour: This is my personal favorite since it gives the dough an additional smooth feel
  • Semolina flour: This is a heartier flour that can help the pasta cling to the sauce more effectively. (Semolina is also my favorite flour to use as a dusting on the cutting board and pasta while you are in the process of rolling out the dough. All-purpose flour: If this is the only flour you have on hand, it will also work rather well.

Large eggs are required for this recipe, which asks for four of them. Also useful for moistening the dough is olive oil (extra virgin). (If the dough is still too dry, you may add a few tablespoons of water to moisten it more.) Fine sea salt: We’ll use a teaspoon of fine sea salt in this recipe, and I recommend adding a little more to the pasta water as you’re cooking it.

Homemade Pasta Equipment:

I’ve provided step-by-step directions for making handmade pasta entirely by hand in the section below. Alternatively, if you happen to own a food processor (which is my preferred technique) or a stand mixer, you can save yourself some time as well. In terms of rolling out the spaghetti, you can do so by hand if you want to save time (with a rolling pin and a knife). Alternatively, you may also consider investing in a:

  • Pasta maker: I acquired the Atlas 150pasta maker, which I really adore and would highly suggest. Alternatively, if you happen to possess a KitchenAid stand mixer, its pasta roller attachment will work just as well
  • Pasta drying rack: This is optional, but it is quite useful (and attractive!). I chose this wooden pasta drying rack, which I just adore

How To Make Pasta In A Food Processor:

This is my fave method of preparing handmade pasta since it is the quickest and most straightforward! Simply place all four ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth (fitted with the normal blade attachment). In a food processor, pulse for approximately 10 seconds, or until the mixture achieves a crumbly texture (see above). Remove the dough from the bowl and pat it into a ball with your hands before transferring it to a lightly floured cutting board to rest. Make sure the dough is smooth and elastic by kneading it for 1-2 minutes.

Use right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

How To Make Pasta In A Stand Mixer:

Another super-simple technique is (especially convenient if you are also going to be using a stand mixerroller attachmentto roll out the pasta dough). Simply place all of your ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and blend until smooth. On low speed, mix and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, with the dough hook until it is smooth and elastic. (If the dough appears to be too dry, a tablespoon or two of water can be added to it.) If the mixture appears to be too moist or sticky, simply add a little more flour; nonetheless, you want the dough to be rather dry.) Form the dough into a ball with your hands, cover it securely in plastic wrap, and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it as directed.

How To Make Pasta By Hand:

It’s not a problem if you don’t have a food processor or stand mixer. Make a pile of flour on a big chopping board and set it aside. Then, using your fingers or a spoon, make a well in the center of the flour mound that is about an inch deep (kind of like a volcano). Place the eggs in the center of the well and cover with plastic wrap. On top of the eggs, sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil to finish. To begin whisking the eggs, start with a fork. As soon as they are incorporated, begin gradually whisking in part of the surrounding flour, gradually adding more and more until the egg mixture is nicely thickened (about 5 minutes).

Then, using your hands, fold the remainder of the dough into the first until everything is well incorporated.

You can add an extra tablespoon or two of water if the dough appears to be too dry; nevertheless, you want the dough to be rather dry.

Form the dough into a ball with your hands, cover it securely in plastic wrap, and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it as directed. Use right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

How To Roll Fresh Pasta With A Pasta Maker:

As soon as you have finished resting the dough for 30 minutes and it is ready to use, take it from the plastic wrap and place it on a cutting board again. Take your knife and cut the dough into four equal wedges, similar to pie-slicing. Set one wedge away and immediately wrap the remaining three in plastic wrap again to keep them from drying out while they bake. To prepare the cutting board (or big baking sheet), generously sprinkle it with flour and lay it aside. Shape the dough wedge into an oval-shaped flat disc with your hands, using your fingers.

  1. In my pasta maker, this is the first setting on the dial.) Once the sheet has been removed, fold it in thirds, much like you would fold a piece of paper to fit it into an envelope, to make it more compact.
  2. Once the dough has been sent through the rollers a few times, progressively lower the settings one at a time, until the pasta has reached the thickness you wish.
  3. If your dough sheet becomes too lengthy to handle, just cut it in half using a knife to make it manageable again.
  4. Then, put the cutter attachment to your pasta machine and begin cooking!
  5. Fill your pasta maker with your preferred form of pasta by feeding the sheet through the attachment.
  6. Repeat the process with the remainder of the pasta dough.

How To Roll Fresh Pasta With A Stand Mixer:

The procedure for making pasta using a stand mixer is nearly identical to that for making pasta with a traditional pasta maker. (Besides the fact that it’s less difficult because you don’t have to use one hand to spin the machine!) Connect the pasta roller attachment to your stand mixer in a few simple steps. To widen the adjustment knob, turn it all the way to the left. Then, following the directions above, form and feed the pasta dough through the roller until it reaches the appropriate thinness, lightly flouring the pasta as you go to keep it from sticking to the roller.

Once you’ve finished with the roller attachment, you may connect the cutter attachment of your choosing.

Feed the dough through the cutter until it is completely cut through. To finish drying, either transfer the cut pasta to a drying rack or swirl it into little pasta “nests” and place them on a floured surface to dry for 30 minutes. Repeat the process with the remainder of the pasta dough.

How To Roll Fresh Pasta By Hand:

To roll out your pasta by hand, form one wedge into an oval-shaped flat disc, as described above. Repeat the process with the remaining wedges. Transfer the disc to a cutting board and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches the required thickness (usually between 1-2 mm thick), adding additional flour to the cutting board as needed to keep the dough from sticking. In general, if you gently raise the dough up, you should be able to see your hand through it, which indicates that the dough is sufficiently thick.

Using a little additional flour, sprinkle each part of the pie.

Repeat with the remaining portions (see above).

To finish drying, either transfer the cut pasta to a drying rack or swirl it into little pasta “nests” and place them on a floured surface to dry for 30 minutes.

How To Cook Fresh Pasta:

Using a big stockpot of liberally salted water, bring to a rolling boil over high heat while you prepare the fresh pasta. Add in the new pasta and immediately begin to gently mix it in order to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, maybe another minute or so. (Be sure to keep an eye on it because fresh pasta cooks more faster than dry spaghetti!) After that, drain the fresh pasta and use it right away. It is important to note that the cooking time for fresh pasta will be totally dependent on the thickness of the pasta; thus, it is important to check the pasta often to ensure that it has reached the right al dente texture.

How To Store Fresh Pasta:

Ensure that the pasta is allowed to air out on a drying rack or on a baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before using it (or up to 2 hours). Fill a large airtight jar with the mixture and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or the freezer for up to 2 weeks. In order to use frozen fresh pasta, place it in the refrigerator to defrost for at least 4-6 hours before continuing with the recipe as usual.

Recipes To Make With Fresh Pasta:

Now comes the fun part: figuring out what to do with your beautiful batch of fresh pasta! Please feel free to peruse our whole pasta library right here on the site, but I’ve included a few of my personal favorites below.

  • Cacio e Pepe (shown above)
  • Pasta Carbonara
  • Pasta Marinara
  • Pasta Arrabbiata
  • Pasta Aglio e Olio
  • Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Cacio e Pepe (shown above)
  • Cacio e Pepe (

Description

Easy to prepare by hand, in a stand mixer, or in a food processor, this 4-ingredient handmade pasta dish is a family favorite. See the suggestions above for instructions on how to roll out the pasta by hand, using an apasta maker, or with a stand mixer.

How To Make Pasta In A Food Processor:

  1. Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the standard blade attachment. Process until smooth. Pulse the mixture for about 10 seconds, or until it achieves a crumbly texture (as shown in the photographs above)
  2. Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball with your hands, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured cutting board. Make sure the dough is smooth and elastic by kneading it for 1-2 minutes. (If the dough appears to be too dry, a tablespoon or two of water can be added to it.) If the mixture appears to be too moist or sticky, simply add a little more flour
  3. Nonetheless, you want the dough to be rather dry.)
  4. Hand-form the dough into a ball and cover it securely in plastic wrap to prevent it from spreading. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it. Use right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. You may either roll out the pasta dough by hand or use a pasta maker to cut it into the shape you choose (see notes above). Using a big pot of well salted boiling water, cook the pasta until it is al dente, which will take anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the thickness of your spaghetti. Drain the water and use it right away

How To Make Pasta In A Stand Mixer:

  1. All of the ingredients should be combined in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Knead the dough on a low speed for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, depending on your preference. (If the dough appears to be too dry, a tablespoon or two of water can be added to it.) If the dough appears to be too moist or sticky, simply add more flour
  2. Nonetheless, you want the dough to be rather dry.)
  3. Hand-form the dough into a ball and cover it securely in plastic wrap to prevent it from spreading. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it. Use right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. You may either roll out the pasta dough by hand or use a pasta maker to cut it into the shape you choose (see notes above). Using a big pot of well salted boiling water, cook the pasta until it is al dente, which will take anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the thickness of your spaghetti. Drain the water and use it right away

How To Make Pasta By Hand:

  1. Make a pile of flour on a big chopping board and set it aside. Make a well in the midst of the flour mound with your fingers or a spoon, making sure it is a fair size (kind of like a volcano). Place the eggs in the center of the well and cover with plastic wrap. Sprinkle the salt and sprinkle the olive oil on top of the eggs and whisk them together with a fork until they are well blended. Afterwards, continue to gradually whisk in part of the surrounding flour into the egg mixture, gradually increasing the amount of flour used until the egg mixture is lovely and thick. It’s okay if a few eggs accidently slip out
  2. Simply use your hands or a bench scraper to gently remove them back into the bowl. Fold in the remainder of the dough with your hands until the dough forms a loose ball of dough. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, putting some more flour on the cutting board if necessary to prevent sticking or if the dough appears to be too moist or sticky at any point throughout the process. In addition, if the dough appears to be too dry, you can add an additional tablespoon or two of water
  3. Nonetheless, the dough should be reasonably dry.)
  4. Hand-form the dough into a ball and cover it securely in plastic wrap to prevent it from spreading. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it. Use right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. You may either roll out the pasta dough by hand or use a pasta maker to cut it into the shape you choose (see notes above). Using a big pot of well salted boiling water, cook the pasta until it is al dente, which will take anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the thickness of your spaghetti. Drain the water and use it right away

Notes

Flour: As previously stated in the blog article, I make handmade pasta with “00” flour the majority of the time since it produces the silkiest pasta. In contrast, if I’m cooking a sauce that needs to be a little heartier, I’ll use half “00” flour and half semolina flour, which results in pasta that is a little more firm and also helps the sauce adhere more effectively to the pasta.

Having said that, any of the three flour alternatives stated above will be satisfactory. A post published on May 15, 2019 by Ali

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