If you've got a little more time on your hands as of late and are spending more time at home, why not try making fresh pasta?
With just a few ingredients needed and only a small selection of equipment, everyone can have a go. Whether it's linguine or ravioli, you can have fresh pasta whenever you want it, whether you make it with a pasta maker or by hand - and it's also a great way to entertain yourself and others.
Pasta dough recipe
Ingredients (serves 6)
6.large eggs
- '00' / Doppio Zero flour (Available from Waitrose and Sainsbury's)
Method
- Place the flour in a bowl (or on a board, if you prefer). Make a well in the centre and crack in your eggs, beating them with a fork.
- Use your hands to mix the eggs with the flour, incorporating a small amount at a time. It should start to resemble a dough.
- Knead the dough until it becomes one large piece of dough.
If you have a food processor, you can add your ingredients and mix until it has a breadcrumb consistency.
- Continue kneading the dough until it feels smooth and soft. If it feels floury or bumpy, keep kneading.
- Then, you'll need to pop it in the fridge to rest for at least 30 minutes. Wrap it in cling film to ensure it doesn't dry out (don't let there be any gaps!).
Now, it's time to roll and cut. Follow the instructions on your chosen pasta cutter or roller to create the shape that you want.
Top tips for pasta rolling
- Split your dough into smaller pieces rather than trying to roll one large piece.
- Dust your work surface with '00' flour and continue to dust the pasta with flour if it's too sticky.
- Ensure your pasta roller is properly attached to your chosen work surface.
- Roll your pasta dough through your machine a few of times to make it even silkier.
- Cut or shape your pasta as soon as possible to stop it from drying out. You can rest a damp, clean tea towel on top if you need a little more time.
Best pasta making appliances
Best pasta making equipment
1 of 5Pasta Evangelist Pasta Making Kit
This kit has everything you need to create a number of pasta varieties, including flour, rollers and pasta cutters.
2 of 5Sailnovo Pasta Maker Machine
This heavy duty pasta machine is durable, easy to clean and easy to use. It clamps to the worktop well and has two blades to make a range of pasta dishes.
3 of 5Collapsible Fresh Pasta Drying Rack
Once you've cut your pasta into the shape you want, use this rack to dry it out. If using your pasta straight away, let it dry for 1-2 minutes, dusting them with flour so they don't stick together. If making pasta for later, let it dry for 30 minutes, wrap and refrigerate. Use within two days.
4 of 5Ravioli Stamp Set
If it's ravioli you crave, these stamp cutters make easy work of creating your favourite dish.
5 of 5LaGondola Double Pasta and Ravioli Cutter Wheel
This industry-standard tool helps you cut ravioli quickly and easily, as well as tagliatelle and more. It's robust and made to last.