The Art of Making Pasta

Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine. The art of making pasta extends beyond the ingredients and technique; it’s about family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Down the aisle of your local grocery store, you’ll find tons of varieties of dried pasta that can be cooked and made at any given time. Making it from scratch is a fun activity that has been highly rewarding for those who enjoy cooking.

Here are step-by-step instructions from the Food Network. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? It might get messy, so make sure you grab an apron!

Flour and Eggs
First, mound the flour and salt in the center of your cutting board or bowl. Next, make a well in the middle and beat your eggs and add them to the well. Finally, use a fork to bring the dry ingredients into the wet, starting with the inner rim of the well.

Working the Dough
The dough will form a shaggy mass. Pull the dough together, mixing the sticky pieces with the dry. Form a ball and start kneading it with the heels of your hands. Use flour sparingly, or the pasta will be tough.

Rest the Dough
Once the surface of the dough is slightly smooth and still a little tacky, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Ready to Roll
Divide the dough into slices. Work with one section at a time and cover the rest. Lightly flour the dough on both sides and place the narrow end into the pasta machine.

Pasta Roller
You’ll need a manual pasta roller — you can find one at a cooking supply store or online. Coax the dough through as you turn the crank on the widest setting. Each time you roll the dough through, move the rollers closer together until you get the thinness you need.

Pick Your Pasta
This dough is perfect for lasagna or ravioli. Make tagliatelle by rolling and then cutting it. Cook the pasta that day. Or, to freeze, sprinkle the dough with semolina to maintain good separation and then cover it up.

After you’ve put all that time and effort into creating the perfect homemade pasta, don’t forget about the sauce you will serve with it and perhaps a side salad and bread. Buon appetito!

Of course, if this seems like too much work, especially on a busy weeknight, head to Carpaccio and let us do the work for you. Whatever you’re craving, get your fix of Italian food from Carpaccio! From traditional pasta dishes and salads to Napoletana pizza, Carpaccio serves delicious Italian cuisine with ingredients primarily sourced locally in California. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in a beautiful, Tuscan atmosphere or a wonderful family dinner out on our beautiful Carpaccio on the Alley patio. Take a look at our menu and visit our website to learn more, or give us a call at 650-322-1211.



Sources:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/how-to-make-fresh-pasta-a-step-by-step-guide