Making pasta might seem complicated, but it’s actually simpler than you might realize. And it’s definitely worth trying at least once in your life because there’s just no comparing store-bought pasta to the real, fresh thing. So if you’re intimidated, we’re here to simplify this whole thing for you.
Getting Started
First, the tools you need: your hands, a rolling pin, flour, eggs, and a pot to boil the pasta in. That’s all. No fancy pasta machines or rollers necessary. Sure, they can help, but if you don’t have them, that’s no excuse not to give it a shot.
Flour Volcano
It’ll also be useful to have a large, flat work surface because pasta doesn’t happen in a bowl; it happens right on your kitchen counter. That’s right, you shape your flour (regular, all-purpose works just fine) into a little volcano mound on your counter, creating space in the center to add eggs and salt or oil if you’re using them.
Mixing It Together
Then you whisk it all together right there on the counter, gradually pushing the flour into the liquid until it all comes together into a sticky dough. Now you’ll have to knead it into a smooth ball. This part can be annoying; it’ll take you a full ten minutes and tire your hands out, but it’s necessary and not too bad if you play music while you do it.
Final Steps
Let your dough rest for an hour. Roll it out with a machine or rolling pin. Cut it into your desired shape. Cook it in salted boiling water for just a minute or two and voila! You’ve got pasta.
