Homemade Pasta Recipe from KitchenAid
Introduction
Making homemade pasta is a fun and rewarding culinary experience. With just a few simple ingredients and a KitchenAid stand mixer, you can create delicious and fresh pasta right in your own kitchen. In this blog post, we will share a recipe for homemade pasta using a KitchenAid stand mixer. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in perfectly tender and flavorful pasta every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Directions
- Start by attaching the flat beater to your KitchenAid stand mixer. Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix on low speed for a few seconds, just to combine.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly add the beaten eggs to the flour mixture while the mixer is set to low speed. Allow the ingredients to incorporate, forming a rough dough.
Once the dough starts to come together, switch to the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer. Knead the dough on low speed for about 2-3 minutes. If the dough appears too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If the dough is too wet, add a sprinkle of flour until it becomes manageable.
Once the dough is well-kneaded and has a smooth, elastic texture, remove it from the mixer and shape it into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
After the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out and shape it into pasta. Divide the dough into smaller, manageable portions. Flatten one portion with your hands and run it through a pasta roller attachment on your KitchenAid stand mixer, starting at the widest setting. Fold the dough in half and run it through again. Repeat this process a few times, gradually decreasing the width setting on the roller each time, until the desired thickness is achieved.
Once the dough is rolled out to the desired thickness, you can choose to cut it into various pasta shapes using the appropriate attachment on your stand mixer. Whether you prefer fettuccine, spaghetti, or other pasta shapes, the KitchenAid attachments make it easy to achieve consistent and professional-looking results.
As you shape the pasta, lay it out on a clean surface or a drying rack to prevent it from sticking together. You can cook the pasta immediately or let it dry for a few hours before cooking. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on it as it boils.
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it and serve it immediately with your favorite sauce and toppings. Homemade pasta has a unique texture and flavor that will elevate any dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of flour for homemade pasta?
A: While all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as semolina or whole wheat, to achieve different flavors and textures.
Q: Do I need a KitchenAid stand mixer to make homemade pasta?
A: No, a KitchenAid stand mixer is not necessary, but it does make the process easier and more efficient. You can also make pasta by hand or use a different type of mixer.
Q: How long does homemade pasta last?
A: Fresh homemade pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I make pasta dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the pasta dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and shaping it into pasta.
Q: Can I make gluten-free pasta using this recipe?
A: This recipe is not specifically designed for gluten-free pasta. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends and add xanthan gum or other substitutes to achieve a gluten-free version.
