Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of warm water
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
2. Slowly add the warm water into the well, mixing it into the flour with a fork. Continue mixing until a ball of dough starts to form.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Shaping the Pici Pasta
1. After kneading the dough, divide it into smaller portions to make it easier to work with.
2. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a long, thin rope. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut the rolled-out dough into 6-8 inch lengths. Remember, Pici pasta is known for its rustic, thick shape, so variations in thickness are acceptable.
4. Once all the dough has been shaped into Pici strands, leave them to dry on a floured surface for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking the Pici
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Gently place the Pici strands into the boiling water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook them until al dente, typically for 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the Pici pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
Serving and Enjoying the Pici Pasta
1. Transfer the drained Pici pasta into a large serving bowl.
2. Toss the pasta with your favorite sauce, whether it be a classic tomato sauce, a garlic and olive oil preparation, or a hearty meat sauce.
3. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce and enhance the flavors.
4. Serve the Pici pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Now that you have followed this complete guide to cooking Pici pasta, you are ready to impress your family and friends with a truly authentic Tuscan dish. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to create your own signature Pici recipe. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon enough, you will be a master of the art of cooking Pici!