What You Will Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- A pasta machine or rolling pin
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter
Step 1: Preparing the Pasta Dough
Begin by creating a well on your countertop or in a large mixing bowl with the all-purpose flour. Crack the eggs into the well and add the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs while gradually incorporating the surrounding flour.
Once the mixture becomes too thick to mix with a fork, use your hands to knead the dough. Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour. If it’s too dry, moisten your hands with water while kneading.
Step 2: Resting the Dough
Wrap the pasta dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 3: Rolling Out the Dough
Unwrap the rested dough and cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. If you have a pasta machine, set it to the thickest setting and pass one piece of dough through. Fold the dough in half and repeat this process several times until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.
Gradually decrease the thickness setting on your pasta machine and pass the dough through, without folding, until you reach your desired thickness. For linguine, a medium thickness is recommended. If you don’t have a pasta machine, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface.
Step 4: Cutting the Linguine
Once your dough is rolled out, dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. If you have a pasta machine with a cutting attachment, feed the dough through to create linguine strands. Alternatively, roll the dough into a cylinder shape and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into long, thin strips.
Step 5: Drying the Linguine
Now that you have cut your linguine, it’s time to let it dry. You can either hang the strands on a drying rack or spread them out in a single layer on a clean towel or baking sheet. Let the linguine dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will give it the perfect texture when cooked.
Step 6: Cooking and Serving
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the linguine. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain the linguine and toss it with your favorite pasta sauce or toppings.
Once your linguine is perfectly sauced, serve it hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Impress your loved ones with your homemade pasta skills and savor the authentic taste and texture of fresh linguine!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of linguine, you’ll never go back to store-bought pasta again. Experiment with different sauces, add your favorite ingredients, and make each linguine creation your own. Buon appetito!