The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italy is the incredible food. Pizza, wine, gelato, and cheese are all popular but arguably the most famous dish is pasta. It is estimated that Italians eat over sixty pounds of pasta per year (Americans eat about twenty pounds per person). The traditional dishes of Italy are enjoyed all over the world and are easy to make at home with the right ingredients.
Pasta Throughout Italy
Pasta is such a staple in Italian cuisine that each region has come up with their own versions. The ever-popular spaghetti carbonara comes from Rome and combines egg yolks, pecorino Romano cheese, and pancetta. Another favorite is tagliatelle Bolognese which consists of flat noodles with a meat sauce and comes from Bologna. Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) is famous in Naples using extra virgin olive oil, fresh clams from the sea, and white wine. There are approximately 350 different types of pasta and the possibilities are endless when composing a delicious dish!
Making Fresh Pasta at Home
Dry pasta is in every major grocery store, but did you know fresh pasta is extremely easy to make? With just a few ingredients you can make delicious fresh pasta dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends and the process of kneading the dough is both therapeutic and rewarding. Once the pasta is rolled out and cooked, you’ll feel like you’re dining in an authentic Italian restaurant!
The recipe for making fresh pasta is quite simple and uses only a few ingredients. Using Caputo’s Semola Rimacinta flour gives you a delicious traditional pasta. Use 1 kg flour and 10 whole eggs for this recipe:
- Pour flour on pastry board and make a hole in the middle (like a volcano).
- Crack eggs in the middle and work the flour into the eggs a little at a time in a circular motion with your fingertips. Be sure not to let the eggs escape from the flour.
- Once the eggs are incorporated into the flour, knead until the dough is smooth and consistent. Depending on the size of the eggs, you might need to add a little more flour or another egg to achieve the proper consistency.
- Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and allow to rest for at least half an hour before rolling it out.
Roll out your fresh pasta using a traditional pasta machine or with an attachment on a stand mixer. Cut your pasta into your desired shape and cook in salted boiling water for 60-90 seconds until al dente.
*Keep in mind that fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dry pasta and is best served immediately.
Pick the Perfect Flour
The type of flour you use can make all the difference in the world when making pasta from scratch. Sansone market carries authentic Italian brands and Caputo Semola Rimacinata is perfect for delicious fresh pasta. The Caputo flours are made with love from Naples and are the ultimate addition to your recipes to bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen table. Now that you’ve perfected making fresh pasta at home, it’s time to finish your delicious meal! Whether you want to make your own spin on a traditional Italian dish or combine your favorite ingredients into one dish, pasta is the ideal way to bring it all together. At Sansone Market, we offer the best ingredients both local and imported so you can bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen table. Pair your fresh pasta with one of our market sauces and top with delicious Mitica cheese for a meal your whole family will love!
