What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- A pasta machine or rolling pin
- A clean, spacious countertop or work area
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and crack the eggs into it. Using a fork or your hands, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until you have a shaggy dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten in the dough, giving your pasta a desirable texture. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions to make it easier to work with. Flatten one portion with your hands or a rolling pin. Set your pasta machine to the thickest setting (usually level 1) and pass the dough through it. Fold the dough into thirds, rotate it 90 degrees, and pass it through the machine again. Repeat this process several times until the dough feels smooth and supple.
Step 4: Cut the Tagliatelle
Once your dough is rolled out to the desired thickness, set your pasta machine to the tagliatelle setting. Pass the dough through the machine to cut it into thin, ribbon-like strands. If you don’t have a pasta machine, you can achieve a similar result by using a sharp knife to cut the rolled-out dough into long, straight strips.
Step 5: Shape the Nests
Gently gather the cut tagliatelle strands together and coil them into little nests. Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions until you have created all the desired tagliatelle nests for your meal. Sprinkle some flour over the nests to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 6: Cook and Serve
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and carefully add the tagliatelle nests. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the nests and toss them with your favorite pasta sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Now that you know how to make perfect tagliatelle nests, you can elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level. Impress your loved ones with this homemade delight and savor the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!