For all the pasta lovers out there who crave the satisfaction of creating culinary delights at home, this recipe for Homemade Herb Pasta Dough is sure to delight your senses and elevate your dining experience. Making your own pasta dough from scratch might seem intimidating, but the fresh flavors and tender texture you’ll achieve are well worth the effort. By infusing the dough with aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, you’ll add a layer of freshness and complexity to your favorite pasta dishes. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to craft a batch of this herb-infused pasta dough that will take your homemade meals to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Crack the eggs into the well you created in the flour mixture. Add the olive oil as well.
3. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and oil together, gradually incorporating the surrounding flour mixture until a shaggy dough starts to form.
4. Once the mixture is combined enough to work with your hands, transfer it to a clean, floured surface.
5. Begin kneading the dough, incorporating any remaining flour until you have a smooth, elastic dough. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
7. After the resting time, unwrap the dough and cut it into manageable portions for rolling.
8. Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll out each portion of dough to your desired thickness. Remember to dust the dough with flour to prevent sticking.
9. Once rolled out, you can cut the pasta dough into your preferred shapes, whether it’s fettuccine, tagliatelle, or ravioli sheets.
10. Cook your freshly made herb pasta in a pot of salted boiling water for just a few minutes until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than store-bought varieties, so keep an eye on it.
11. Serve your Homemade Herb Pasta Dough with your favorite sauce, whether it’s a simple garlic and olive oil drizzle, a light tomato basil sauce, or a creamy Alfredo.
12. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly gourmet experience.
Crafting your own Homemade Herb Pasta Dough is a rewarding culinary adventure that will impress your family and friends at your next gathering. The tantalizing aroma of fresh herbs paired with the delicate texture of homemade pasta will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. So, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and experiment with different herb combinations to create your signature pasta dough. Enjoy the process, embrace the creativity, and savor the delicious results of your kitchen endeavors!
