Homemade Vegetable Pasta Dough

Creating your own pasta dough from scratch is a rewarding and delightful experience. Homemade Vegetable Pasta Dough is a versatile recipe that allows you to infuse healthy vegetables into your pasta, adding flavor and nutrition to your dishes. This colorful dough can be used to make a variety of pasta shapes, from fettuccine to ravioli. Let’s dive into the details of making this vibrant and delicious pasta dough!

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup semolina flour
– 1/2 cup vegetable puree (such as spinach, beet, carrot, or roasted red pepper)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetable Puree:** Start by making the vegetable puree of your choice. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables. Simply cook them until soft and then blend them into a smooth puree. Strain any excess liquid to get a concentrated vegetable paste.

2. **Mix the Flours:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and semolina flour. Create a well in the center of the flours.

3. **Add the Vegetable Puree:** Pour the vegetable puree into the well of the flour mixture. Add the eggs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

4. **Combine the Ingredients:** Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.

5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

6. **Rest the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.

7. **Roll Out the Dough:** After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Remember, thicker dough for stuffed pastas like ravioli and thinner dough for noodles like tagliatelle.

8. **Shape the Pasta:** Cut the rolled-out dough into your desired pasta shape. You can create fettuccine, tagliatelle, ravioli, or any shape you prefer. Dust the pasta shapes with flour to prevent sticking.

9. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh pasta for about 2-3 minutes or until al dente. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pasta.

10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce or simply drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. The vibrant colors of the vegetable pasta dough will add a beautiful touch to your dish.

Experiment with different vegetable combinations to create a rainbow of pasta colors for your meals. Homemade Vegetable Pasta Dough is a delightful way to elevate your pasta dishes and impress your family and guests. Enjoy the process of making your own pasta dough and savor the unique flavors that fresh, homemade pasta brings to your table.