To prepare tagliatelle, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– ½ teaspoon salt
1. Start by creating a well in the center of the flour mound on a clean work surface or in a mixing bowl. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt.
2. Using a fork or your fingertips, slowly whisk the eggs in a circular motion, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides of the well. Continue until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it activates the gluten in the flour, giving the pasta its desired texture. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour; if it is too dry, add a few drops of water.
4. Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
5. After the resting period, divide the dough into two equal portions. Set one portion aside and cover it with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying.
6. Flatten the first portion of the dough into a rectangular shape using a rolling pin. Begin feeding the dough through a pasta machine on the widest setting. After each pass, fold the dough in half and roll it through again. Repeat this process several times until the dough starts to become more elastic.
7. Gradually decrease the pasta machine’s setting and continue passing the dough through, folding it in half and rolling it again, until you reach your desired thinness. For tagliatelle, a medium to thin setting works well. You may dust the dough with flour occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Once the desired thinness is achieved, carefully feed the sheet of pasta through the tagliatelle attachment on the pasta machine. If you don’t have a pasta machine, you can use a sharp knife to cut the pasta into long, thin strips.
9. Dust the tagliatelle with flour to prevent them from sticking together and lay them out on a clean surface or hang them on a pasta drying rack. Repeat the process with the remaining dough portion.
10. Now that your tagliatelle is prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for about 2-4 minutes or until al dente, meaning it is cooked but still has a slight bite to it.
11. Drain the cooked tagliatelle and toss it in your favorite sauce. Classic pairings include Bolognese, carbonara, or a simple tomato and basil sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Making delicious tagliatelle may seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes a culinary skill that you’ll enjoy mastering. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and follow these steps to create a plate of mouthwatering tagliatelle that will impress your family and friends. Buon appetito!