What You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the water while mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and forms a solid mass.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. Conversely, if it’s too dry, sprinkle some water on it while kneading.
Step 2: Roll the Pasta
Once the dough is ready, take a small portion and roll it into a long, thin rope, about 1/4 inch in diameter. Repeat this process with the remaining dough until you have several long, thin ropes.
Next, using a sharp knife, cut the ropes into 6-inch-long pieces. Place the cut pieces on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Shape the Pasta
To shape the Pici pasta, take one 6-inch piece and lay it flat on the floured surface. Gently roll it back and forth with your hands, applying light pressure, until it thickens slightly and obtains an elongated shape. Repeat this process with the rest of the pasta pieces.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Pici pasta and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the cooked Pici pasta to a serving dish and toss it with your favorite sauce. Traditional choices include a rich tomato-based sauce or a simple garlic and olive oil dressing. Feel free to top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve your delicious dry Pici pasta hot and enjoy an authentic taste of Italy!
Now that you know how to cook and prepare this delectable dish, you can impress friends and family with your culinary skills. Bon appétit!