Whip up Delicious Homemade Pasta with Your KitchenAid Mixer

Whip up Delicious Homemade Pasta with Your KitchenAid Mixer

Introduction

There’s something truly special about homemade pasta. The taste, the texture, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch makes it a favorite dish for many. While making pasta by hand can be a labor-intensive process, using a KitchenAid mixer can simplify and speed up the process. In this recipe, we will guide you through crafting your own homemade pasta using your trusty KitchenAid mixer. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful culinary creation!

Ingredients

To make fresh pasta using your KitchenAid mixer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water
• Additional flour for dusting

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your very own homemade pasta with your KitchenAid mixer:

Step 1: Measure and Sift the Flour
– Start by measuring 2 cups of all-purpose flour and sift it into a large bowl. Sifting the flour will give your pasta a lighter texture.

Step 2: Create a Well
– Create a well in the center of the flour. This will be the spot where you’ll combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
– Pour the egg mixture into the well you created in the flour. Slowly incorporate the flour into the liquid using a fork or your fingers until a dough begins to form.

Step 5: Form the Dough
– Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Rest the Dough
– Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This will relax the gluten, making the dough easier to work with and resulting in a better texture.

Step 7: Divide and Roll the Dough
– After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions. Flatten one portion slightly, then pass it through a pasta roller attachment on the KitchenAid mixer. Begin with the thickest setting and gradually decrease the thickness until you achieve your desired pasta thickness. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

Step 8: Cut the Pasta
– Switch from the pasta roller attachment to the spaghetti or fettuccini cutter attachment on your KitchenAid mixer. Pass the rolled dough through the cutter and collect the freshly cut pasta strands. Toss the pasta with some flour to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Cook and Serve
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh pasta for about 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Remember, homemade pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta. Drain the cooked pasta and serve with your favorite sauce or toppings.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta made effortlessly with your KitchenAid mixer!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
   • While all-purpose flour works well for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of flour such as semolina or 00 flour for different textures and flavors.
2. Do I need to have specific KitchenAid mixer attachments?
   • The pasta roller and cutter attachments are recommended for this recipe, but you can also roll and cut the dough by hand if you don’t have these attachments.
3. Can I freeze the homemade pasta?
   • Yes, you can freeze the fresh pasta for later use. After cutting the pasta into desired shapes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen pasta to airtight containers or freezer bags and use within 2-3 months.
4. How long does homemade pasta take to cook?
   • Homemade pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta. It usually takes around 2-3 minutes to cook until al dente. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
5. How should I store the unused pasta dough?
   • Wrap the unused pasta dough in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before rolling and cutting, allow the dough to come to room temperature.

Now that you have the recipe, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and savoring homemade pasta with your KitchenAid mixer. Embrace the satisfaction of handcrafting a dish that will impress everyone at your dinner table!