What You’ll Need
Before you dive into the world of Pasta Zucchero, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Rolling pin
- Pasta machine
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Step 1: Making the Pasta Dough
Start by creating the pasta dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and crack the eggs into it. Using a fork, slowly whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Pasta
After the dough has rested, cut it into smaller pieces, and flatten each piece with your hands. Set your pasta machine to the thickest setting and feed the dough through the rollers. Fold the dough into thirds, rotate it 90 degrees, and run it through the rollers again. Repeat this process several times until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. Gradually decrease the thickness setting and pass the dough through each setting until you reach your desired thickness. Finally, cut the sheets of pasta into your preferred shape, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle.
Step 3: Preparing the Zucchero Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the homemade pasta. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the Zucchero sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Serving and Garnishing
Transfer the Pasta Zucchero to serving plates or bowls. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully mastered the art of making Pasta Zucchero. Now it’s time to indulge in this delightful Italian dish and share it with your loved ones. Buon appetito!