I like to use a 50:50 mix of white and wholemeal flour becuase I prefer something with a bit of extra texture, and it's healthier because the wholemeal flour is less processed (plus being less processed means it required less energy to mill = better for the environment). I've found that using straight wholemeal flour tends to be a bit gluggy; half and half makes for a nicer pasta.
I was lucky enough to acquire my almost-brand-new, never-been-used pasta machine for the princely sum of $11, so I was pretty happy with that :-) Lightly used ones pop up fairly regularly at my local op shops, as I think they must be common gifts that only get used a couple of times by non-cooks before the novelty wears off, LOL. Of course, you don't need a pasta machine to make pasta - you can just roll it out thinly on your bench top, and slice it with a knife.
It's also traditional to make the pasta dough on the benchtop, making a well in the centre of the flour and adding the eggs to the middle, then slowly mixing by hand. My 2 year old daughter likes to help though, so for the sake of us retaining at least some of the dough by the time it is mixed, we use a bowl ;-)
When you use wholemeal flour you don't tend to get as smooth a dough as would using all-white flour, but I quite like the "rustic" look.
Rolling out the dough is a family affair, LOL. Everyone loves to have a go at turning the handle. Before they get bored and wander off that is ;-)
We like cutting the pasta into fettucine, and eating it with simple, rustic sauces using whatever is in season, or using home-preserved tomatoes as a base. Yum!
There are plenty of great instructions on the internet for making pasta from scratch, including hundreds of videos like this one on YouTube. Buon appetito!
5 comments:
I'm loving your blog.
I've never made pasta but think I'll have a go at it this weekend. I don't have a pasta machine, but I'm sure I could just roll it and then cut it couldn't I?
cheers Kate
Oooh must keep an eye out at the op shops for a pasta machine, i bet it tastes soo good!
I don't usually have any white flour around, might have to grab some if I get a pasta machine.
Mmmm fresh pasta!
I too am loving your blog, and your recipe blog, my daughter (almost 4) is also sensitive (hyperactive) to preservatives, but also salicylates too which makes it hard.
Your garden is so inspiring and I really want to give it a go in my back yard, I have no idea where to put it though. So THANK YOU for being such an inspiration
Hi Kate,
Yes, you could absolutely just use your rolling pin, I should have added that in my post. I will now, thanks :-)
Hi Dee,
As Kate pointed out, you don't need a pasta machine to make pasta, you can just roll it our on your bench (I've amended the post now!). Thanks for you kind words :-) Sensitivites to salicylates is hard! I'm lucky that Miss 4 isn't, but many friends' kids are; it's hard when even some fruits etc are off-limit. With regards to growing fruit and veg, I started by growing cherry tomatoes and herbs in amongst my ornamental plants and in pots. Very easy, and quite addictive! You just need to make sure you keep the water up to any plants in pots as they will dry out quickly. Have a go! Great fun with kids too.
Cheers, Julie
I only ever make my own pasta now..I cant STAND the taste of store bought anymore and I have gotten fast enough that I can make enough for myself and the other half in the time it takes for the water to come to the boil. Oh and I also use half and half wholemeal and pasta flour (with a dash of olive oil for extra YUM)
A couple of hints for the other commenters thinking about getting a pasta machine:
Cleaning - NEVER wipe with a damp cloth!!! To clean mine I wait until any stuck on pasta is dry and just brush it off with a DRY hard bristled scrubbing brush. It comes straight off without any problems.
Cutting the pasta: I first roll the pasta into sheets on the thickest setting, then put it through on a thinner setting before putting it through the cutters to make fettucine/spagetti etc. It cuts a lot easier than if you try feeding through a thick sheet.
Em
Wow, this looks easy and fun! Hmm, I bet I could make pasta with some non-wheat flours too.
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