Historically it was thought that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy but in 1892 an Etruscan Tomb dated from 500 BC was discovered near Tarquinia, Italy that showed signs of what appears to be pasta being made. The Etruscans were obviously very civilized.

Many of our dining experiences are spent in pursuit of the ultimate Italian Restaurant. While these can be formal with a sophisticated menu, our favorite spots are usually the traditional Trattorias’ also known as “an Italian Restaurant Serving Simple Food” – and doesn’t that just say it all.

Upon entering these eateries, which are more often than not family businesses, there is a warmth that embraces you like an invitation to stay the evening, and a special ambience offered through the modest decor – typified by checked or white cloth tables often centered with a wine bottle wax-dripped candle. But – inevitably what makes these places extra special (and most importantly) is the food – with the staple being fresh homemade pasta.

There is just no comparing fresh homemade pasta to a dried store-bought noodle, and some time ago we started making our own pasta at home. It is surprisingly easy, and now once a week or so we serve ourselves a terrific plate of fresh pasta which can be ready in 15 minutes or less. I just know that Marco Polo and the Etruscans would smile upon us.

Here are two fresh pasta recipes that we use regularly. One is for the vegans in your family and the other contains eggs. As simple as they are, they both make terrific homemade pasta.

Fresh Pasta Containing Eggs – Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup pasta flour – (we use Farina)

3 eggs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt……….that’s it

Fresh Vegan Pasta – Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose-flour

¾ cup water

2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt……..

Method For Both Recipes

• In a large bowl or flat surface: Mix water salt and olive oil (include eggs for egg recipe)
• Add flour and mix. I use a fork to start and finish with my hands
• Remove from bowl and knead the dough on a flour covered surface

• Tip: If mixture is too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add a little flour
• We knead the dough for 10 minutes or so – till the dough is pliable, soft and smooth….you can just tell.

• Note: If you want a good abs workout out, use the rolling pin method to stretch a doughball that is too dry!

• Form into ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. We usually store overnight and process into pasta within 24 hours.

Stretching and Cutting The Doughball

We have utilized the rolling pin method but have permanently moved to a Marcato Atlas 150 manual pasta maker. In either case a how-to video is worth more than 10,000 words. There are links to the rolling pin method video and a pasta maker video below:

Rolling Pin Method: See Chef Paul Magro

With the Rolling Pin method, we roll out the dough until it reaches the desired thickness (should be able to see hand shadow through the dough), fold it, and then slice it into ribbons.

Marcato Pasta Maker: See Mamma Giuliana

We purchased the Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker from Lee Valley Tools (also available from Amazon and Consiglio Kitchenware). We are extremely pleased with this device. The version that we purchased makes fettuccine, tagliolini and flat lasagne noodles, but additional attachments are available.

Cooking and Storing the Pasta

Your pasta can be cooked immediately after cutting into the desired form and will cook within 2 to 3 minutes of boiling in salted water. Sample now and then for desired firmness.

Freezing Fresh Pasta

We also freeze pasta in dinner sized bags – simply freeze on a tray (lightly dusted with flour) for 1 hour before bagging into dinner sizes and keep for up to 30 days – even after freezing there is a noticeable quality difference from store bought pasta.

We regularly serve homemade pasta now with anchovies, fresh tomato sauce, carbonara (authentic or vegan), or our homemade boulognese sauce.

Below is a printable recipe card from RecipesGenerator. Please give it a try!

The first one is for Homemade Pasta with eggs.

Below is a printable recipe card from RecipesGenerator. Please give it a try!

This one is for Homemade Vegan Pasta.

Enjoy

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