Olivia Carter
Have you ever wondered how to make delicious homemade pasta without a machine? Look no further, because celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has got you covered! In this guide, we will walk you through Jamie Oliver’s super simple recipe for making fresh pasta by hand.
The secret to making perfect pasta dough is using the right ingredients. Jamie Oliver recommends using 200 grams of ’00’ flour for every two eggs. ’00’ flour is a fine-textured Italian flour that creates a smooth and elastic dough. It can be found at specialty food stores or online. To make the dough, simply mound the flour on a clean work surface and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and gradually work the flour into the eggs using a fork or your fingertips.
Once the dough starts to come together, knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the pasta its firm texture. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little water; if it feels too wet, add a bit more flour. Once the dough is ready, wrap it in cling film and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
Now it’s time to roll out the pasta. Divide the dough into several smaller portions to make it more manageable. Take one portion and flatten it with your hands to create a thin disk. Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Begin rolling the dough, turning it several times to create a rectangular shape. Roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing it, and don’t forget to keep dusting with flour as needed.
Step By Step Guide
Making pasta without a machine can be a fun and rewarding experience. Follow this step by step guide to create delicious homemade pasta that will impress your friends and family.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting.
Step 2: Create the pasta dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add the olive oil. Using a fork, gradually whisk the eggs and oil together, slowly incorporating the flour until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Rest the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to roll out the pasta.
Step 4: Roll out the pasta
Divide the dough into smaller portions. Take one portion and flatten it with your hands. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a thin sheet, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Continue rolling until the sheet is about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.
Step 5: Cut the pasta
Once you have rolled out all the dough, you can cut it into the desired shapes. You can use a sharp knife to cut long strips for fettuccine or lasagna, or use a pizza cutter for smaller shapes like farfalle or ravioli.
Step 6: Cook the pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, as this will help enhance the flavor of the pasta.
Cook the pasta for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Taste a piece to check for doneness.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and serve it with your favorite sauce or toppings. Enjoy your homemade pasta!
Preparing the Dough
Before you can make pasta without a machine, you need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps to create the perfect pasta dough from scratch:
- Measure the ingredients: Start by measuring out the required amount of flour and eggs. You will need 200g of tipo ’00’ flour and 2 large eggs for a basic pasta dough recipe.
- Create a well: Pour the flour onto a clean work surface and form a well in the center.
- Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the well and use a fork to whisk them together.
- Combine the ingredients: Slowly start incorporating the flour into the eggs, mixing with the fork until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough: Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it for about 5-10 minutes. This will help develop the gluten and give the pasta a smooth texture.
- Rest the dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to roll out the dough later.
By following these steps, you will have a perfectly prepared pasta dough ready to be rolled out and shaped into your desired pasta shapes.
Rolling and Shaping the Pasta
Once your pasta dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out and shape it into your desired pasta shape. Follow these steps to create delicious homemade pasta:
1. Prepare Your Work Surface
Clear a large, clean, and dry section of your countertop or table to use as a work surface. Sprinkle some all-purpose flour over the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Divide the Dough
Divide the pasta dough into smaller portions to make it more manageable. Keep the rest of the dough covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
3. Start Rolling
Take one of the dough portions and flatten it with your hands to form a disk shape. Begin rolling the dough with a rolling pin, starting from the center and moving outwards. Roll the dough in one direction, applying even pressure as you go.
Continue rolling and rotating the dough as needed until it is thin and smooth. Aim for a thickness of about 1-2 millimeters, depending on your preference.
4. Cut and Shape the Pasta
Once the dough is rolled out, you can cut it into your desired pasta shapes. Use a knife, pizza cutter, or special pasta cutter to create shapes such as tagliatelle, fettuccine, or farfalle. You can also make ravioli or tortellini by placing small portions of filling onto the dough and folding or sealing the edges.
If you prefer to use a pasta machine for shaping the pasta, you can lightly dust the rolled dough with flour and feed it through the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Cooking the Pasta
After shaping the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the pasta and cook for a few minutes until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite. Drain the cooked pasta and serve it with your favorite sauce and toppings.
Enjoy your homemade pasta!
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep the dough covered | While working with one portion of dough, keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. |
| Use flour as needed | If the dough feels sticky while rolling or shaping, lightly dust it with flour to make it easier to handle. |
| Experiment with different shapes | Don’t be afraid to try different pasta shapes and sizes. Have fun and get creative! |
Cooking and Serving
Once you have rolled out your pasta dough and cut it into your desired shape, it’s time to cook it and serve it up! Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. The water should taste like the sea.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add in your fresh pasta. It will cook quite quickly, typically in just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it and taste it for doneness.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your sauce or topping. Whether it’s a rich tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple olive oil and garlic combo, make sure it’s ready to go.
- When the pasta is al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite), carefully remove it from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or pasta fork. Place the cooked pasta directly into the sauce or topping and gently toss to combine.
- Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still hot. Add any additional toppings, such as grated cheese, freshly chopped herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
- For an extra touch of authenticity, consider serving your homemade pasta on a warm plate or in a shallow bowl. This will help to retain the heat and showcase your delicious homemade creation.
Remember, fresh homemade pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so be sure to keep a close eye on it. Once you’ve mastered the art of making pasta without a machine, you can experiment with different shapes, flavors, and ingredients to create your own signature dishes. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is the recipe for making pasta without a machine according to Jamie Oliver?
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for making pasta without a machine involves mixing flour and eggs to form a dough, kneading it until smooth, rolling it out thinly with a rolling pin, and cutting it into desired shapes.
Can I use gluten-free flour to make pasta without a machine?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make pasta without a machine. However, you may need to adjust the ratio of flour to eggs or add additional ingredients, such as xanthan gum, to help bind the dough together.
