There’s something undeniably satisfying about creating homemade pasta. The process of mixing, rolling, and cutting dough by hand can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. Today, we’re diving into the art of pasta-making with a recipe for Marcato Pasta. Named after the Italian word for “marked” or “stamped,” this type of pasta features a ridged surface that’s perfect for capturing sauces. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this rustic and delicious dish!
**Marcato Pasta**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Water, as needed
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough**:
Start by creating a well with the flour on a clean countertop or in a large mixing bowl. Crack the eggs into the center of the well and add the salt. Using a fork, slowly whisk the eggs while incorporating the flour from the edges of the well. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
2. **Knead the Dough**:
Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water, a teaspoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
3. **Rest the Dough**:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps relax the gluten in the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
4. **Divide the Dough**:
After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Flatten each piece into a rough rectangle shape.
5. **Roll Out the Dough**:
Dust your work surface and the dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Using a pasta machine, start rolling out one piece of dough at a time. Begin with the widest setting and gradually decrease the thickness with each pass until you reach your desired thickness.
6. **Cut the Pasta**:
Once the dough is rolled out, it’s time to shape the Marcato Pasta. Feed the rolled-out dough through the pasta cutter attachment on your machine, creating ridged pasta strands. Lay the pasta in a single layer on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
7. **Cook the Pasta**:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the freshly made Marcato Pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. The ridges on the pasta strands will help the sauce cling to them beautifully.
8. **Serve and Enjoy!**:
Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce. Whether it’s a classic marinara, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple garlic and olive oil drizzle, the ridged texture of the Marcato Pasta will hold your sauce perfectly.
Homemade Marcato Pasta is a delightful way to elevate your pasta nights at home. The process may seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating restaurant-worthy dishes in your own kitchen. Take the time to savor each step of the pasta-making journey, from kneading the dough to twirling a forkful of fresh pasta onto your plate. Indulge in the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch and share the love with those around your table. Buon appetito!
