Are you dreaming of perfectly textured, homemade pasta without the hours of tedious rolling and cutting? Then your KitchenAid pasta press is about to become your new best friend! This versatile kitchen gadget simplifies the pasta-making process, allowing you to create delicious, fresh pasta in a fraction of the time. Today, we're diving into a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that will showcase the magic of your KitchenAid pasta press. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and healthy dinner option for the whole family. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 1 pound of pasta.
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Create a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add the olive oil.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, starting from the inside of the well.
- Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender pasta.
2. Using the KitchenAid Pasta Press:
- Attach the pasta press attachment to your KitchenAid mixer.
- Cut the dough into quarters. Flatten one quarter of the dough and feed it through the pasta press using the thickest die setting.
- Once the pasta is extruded, lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Depending on your desired pasta shape, you can either use the pasta press to cut it into your preferred shape or use a knife and cut it into strands.
3. Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Gently add the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce.
4. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your freshly made pasta with a simple tomato sauce, creamy pesto, or a rich meat ragu. The possibilities are endless!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta:
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in tough pasta.
- Let the dough rest: Resting allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender pasta.
- Use semolina flour: For a more authentic pasta texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with semolina flour.
- Dust with flour: This prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Salt the water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley into the dough for added flavor.
- Use different flours: Experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or spelt flour.
- Make different shapes: The KitchenAid pasta press allows you to create various shapes, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, and bucatini. Explore the different dies to discover new favorites.
- Add vegetables: Puree spinach, carrots, or beets and incorporate them into the dough for colorful and nutritious pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving of approximately 3 ounces of pasta and may vary depending on the sauce used.
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 2-3g
Making homemade pasta with your KitchenAid pasta press is a rewarding experience, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy the process and the incredible taste of fresh pasta!