I bet some of you are wondering if I skipped out on my return flight and remained in South America. Sadly, no. Nick and I returned to Chicago as scheduled, but I've been frantically catching up at work since. Whatever level of relaxation was achieved on vacation has been quickly and thoroughly reversed. I have the first two days of photos up on my Flickr account, but I haven't found the time to go through the rest or post about it yet. I will soon. It was an amazing trip and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.
When life is busy, we still need to eat -- but sometimes the convenient options just make me feel more rundown. Next time you find yourself reaching for an uninspired box of mac and cheese or a bag of ramen, consider how quick and satisfying it is to make your own pasta. Forget the fancy machines and pasta roller attachments. They aren't necessary. Using only flour, a few eggs, a rolling pin and a knife -- you are minutes away from tossing your own fresh pasta into boiling water. I was recently reminded of this by the Pioneer Woman. She offers her friend Ryan's great rule of thumb: 1 cup of flour plus 2 eggs equals pasta for 2 people.
Pour a cup of flour on the counter. Make a well in the center. Crack two eggs into it and mix the dough with your hand, kneading until it is smooth. Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes and then roll out on a lightly floured surface. Slice into strips with a knife (a pizza or dough cutter works well too) and cook for 2 minutes in salted boiling water. I tossed my pasta with some olive oil, garlic, dried basil and sliced tomatoes.
It's going to be another late night at work -- but at least I know I have the other half of my pasta dough waiting for me in the refrigerator.
Oh my goodness. This sounds so delicious. I haven't had homemade pasta in over a decade.
Does the dough still roll out well after a night in the refrigerator?
My mother maintains that her grandmother made German noodles (spätzle) in the 1950s and cut them into pieces with a knife. I make spätzle too, but with a press.
Posted by: Meg | June 02, 2009 at 11:41
Will have to give it a try as normal pasta as you make it look so simple and delicious. I went through a phase of making completely from scratch lasagna - as you can imagine that was pretty time-consuming, but I never thought to make simple noodle using the dough. I know, duh, right?
Glad you had a safe trip!
Posted by: Sarah | June 02, 2009 at 13:24
Your pasta looks much better than my run at homemade pasta. Thanks for the inspiration to try again.
Posted by: Hillary | June 02, 2009 at 15:44
i've always wanted to make homemade pasta, and your post has inspired me to finally try it. thanks!
Posted by: lola | June 04, 2009 at 00:36
I just wanted to let you know that I have awarded your blog the 'One Lovely Blog' award!
Please go to
http://lemoulinaeau.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-lovely-blog-awards.html
to see how it works.
Posted by: Sarah | June 04, 2009 at 15:07
Wow, homemade pasta as an alternative to fast food. Thanks for the reminder that contentment can found in a cup of flour, 2 eggs, and a bit of meditative handy-work.
Posted by: Margie | June 04, 2009 at 21:58
Wow! That homemade pasta looks delicious, it's great to see you blogging again! Hope you had a great trip!
Posted by: Kaitlyn | June 05, 2009 at 10:14
I tried this out today--awesome. Much simpler than anticipated.
Posted by: Jen | June 06, 2009 at 19:29
Beautiful photo! This looks awesome.
Posted by: Caroline | June 11, 2009 at 12:40
Hi Meg, a decade is way too long to wait for fresh pasta! I had fine luck rolling the dough out on the second day. I hope you find the same. I've seen other cooks make spätzle with a knife. I have yet to give it a try myself though.
Sarah, lasagna from scratch is an impressive project. Nice work. I hope you enjoy the ease of this recipe. I hope all is well with you!
Hi Hillary. I hope this recipe works better for you. Good luck!
I'm glad Lola. It really is a great thing to know how to make -- and it's cheaper than store bought boxes.
Thank you Sarah, that's very sweet!
No problem Margie-- I often forget myself.
Thanks Kaitlyn, the trip was wonderful!
Great to hear Jen, glad you liked.
Thanks so much Caroline!
Posted by: gemma | June 11, 2009 at 16:54
Wow! that pasta sounds delicious...looks simple.
Posted by: Dave Jones | June 12, 2009 at 09:23
this looks so lovely I *must* try--I've been too chicken to make homemade pasta, actually, ever. which is a bit shameful so must be remedied!
I'm cooking dinner for friends next week and think I'll do this. when they're dazzled, I'll credit you :)
Posted by: Nishta | June 18, 2009 at 13:09
I tried your pasta this past week and it was delicious! I posted about it over on my blog, thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kaitlyn | June 22, 2009 at 15:14
Hi Dave Jones, thanks. It is quite easy. A great basic recipe to have on hand.
Hi Nishta, thanks! I hope the dish was a hit.
Hi Kaitlyn, I saw your post. Your dish looks wonderful. Nice work!
Posted by: gemma | July 09, 2009 at 14:55