Pasta is one of those things that can intimidate home cooks, but it’s actually so much easier to make than you’d expect. All it takes is a bit of knowledge and following these tips.
Knead for a Long Time
When you first mix up your pasta dough, it might seem like a dry, shaggy mess that you can’t even imagine turning into delicious pasta. But it can, and all it takes is some kneading. Well, actually, a lot of kneading. You’ll probably have to keep it at it for a full ten minutes before the dough gets to the correct smooth, strong, and supple consistency. But once it does, you’ll have a pretty easy time rolling it out.
Don’t Let the Dough Dry Out
Some pasta recipes call for letting the dough rest, while others don’t. Whichever option you follow, make sure you don’t let your dough dry out, as it will make it much harder to work with. So while your dough rests, or while you’re working with just some of it, cover the rest with a clean kitchen towel.
Go With Your Gut
The classic ratio for pasta is three parts flour to two parts eggs by weight. But all sorts of factors like the humidity of the room you’re in and the size of the eggs you’re using can affect it. So trust your intuition when it comes to putting your dough together. If it feels like it needs more flour, go ahead and add it in—just a little at a time.
