Introduction
There's something incredibly satisfying about creating your own pasta from scratch. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients, but it also offers a sense of accomplishment that comes with crafting a delicious meal. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of making fresh pasta for one person using a few basic ingredients and essential kitchen tools.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of salt
Equipment
- Regular bowl
- Pasta maker
- Kitchen scale
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure the flour using a kitchen scale and the regular bowl. Place the flour on your working station and use the bottom of the bowl to create a well. Crack the egg into the well and add a pinch of salt.
- Mixing: Mix the egg with the flour using your fingers, gradually incorporating the surrounding flour. The size of the egg may impact the dough's consistency. If the dough seems too dry, add a few drops of water gradually until it comes together. On the other hand, if it's too wet, sprinkle a bit more flour and continue mixing until you achieve a cohesive dough. Continue this process until a dough begins to form.
Kneading: Work the dough on your work surface to develop its gluten. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Adjust the consistency by adding more flour if sticky or a few drops of water if too dry.
Resting: Leave the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover it with transparent wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Rolling with Pasta Maker: After resting, use a pasta maker to roll out the dough. Pass the dough through the machine at least four times, folding it in between each pass. This helps develop the pasta's texture.
Adjusting Thickness: Gradually decrease the thickness setting on the pasta maker with each pass until you achieve the desired thickness. Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Shaping: Once the dough reaches the desired thickness, use the other part of the pasta maker to shape the pasta. Before shaping, consider cutting the length of the dough into manageable pieces, approximately 20 to 30 cm, for ease of handling and to create uniform pasta strands. You can choose the shape that suits your preference.
Cooking: Boil salted water in a pot. Cook the fresh pasta for around 3 minutes or until it floats to the surface, indicating it's cooked.
Enjoy: Drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce or simply drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bon appétit!
Conclusion
Making fresh pasta for one person is a delightful culinary adventure, and with the right tools such as a regular bowl, pasta maker, and kitchen scale, you'll find the process both enjoyable and rewarding. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious homemade meal.