Introduction
Nonna Teresa’s Pasta is a delightful recipe that brings the rich tradition of Italian cooking to your kitchen. This dish captures the essence of home-cooked meals with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Originating from cherished family recipes, it highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients and classic techniques, making it a must-try for pasta lovers.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pasta: 400g of dried pasta (preferably spaghetti or linguine)
Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Cherry tomatoes: 500g, halved
Basil: a handful of fresh leaves, torn
Salt: to taste
Parmesan cheese: freshly grated, for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by placing the flour on a clean surface and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until the mixture becomes thick.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts to come together, knead it with your hands for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in cling film and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll out the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into small portions. Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll each piece out to your desired thickness. Dust the surfaces with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cut the Pasta
Once rolled out, cut the pasta into your preferred shapes, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle. Ensure that each piece is well dusted with flour to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the freshly cut pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness. Taste a piece to ensure it is cooked to your liking.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with your favorite sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil as preferred.
Notes
Note 1: Flour Type
Using 00 flour is ideal for making pasta, as it yields a softer texture compared to all-purpose flour.
Note 2: Resting Time
Allowing the dough to rest is crucial as it relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
Note 3: Cooking Time
Fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta, so watch it closely to prevent overcooking.
Note 4: Storage
Uncooked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or frozen for longer preservation.
Cook techniques
Making Fresh Pasta
To create authentic nonna-style pasta, use semolina flour and mix it with eggs to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest before rolling out.
Rolling Dough
Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll the rested dough until it reaches the desired thinness. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Cutting the Pasta
After rolling out the dough, cut it into your preferred shape, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter.
Cooking Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so keep an eye on it.
Preparing the Sauce
For a simple yet flavorful sauce, sauté garlic and herbs in olive oil, adding ripe tomatoes or tomato sauce to enhance the taste.
FAQ
How long does fresh pasta take to cook?
Fresh pasta usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes to cook, depending on its thickness.
Can I make pasta without a pasta machine?
Yes, you can roll out the dough with a rolling pin if you don’t have a pasta machine.
What type of flour is best for making pasta?
Semolina flour is ideal for making pasta due to its high protein content, providing the right texture.
How do I store fresh pasta?
You can store fresh pasta in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for longer storage.
What sauce pairs well with nonna’s pasta?
Classic tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, or a simple garlic and olive oil dressing complement nonna’s pasta perfectly.
Conclusion
The delightful blend of flavors in Nonna Teresa’s Pasta exemplifies the beauty of traditional Italian cooking. With its simple yet rich ingredients, this dish serves as a reminder of the importance of home-cooked meals and the love that goes into them. Sharing this pasta with loved ones can create lasting memories and bring everyone together around the dinner table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti
A simple yet flavorful dish that complements Nonna Teresa’s Pasta beautifully, featuring just garlic sautéed in olive oil and tossed with spaghetti.
Pasta Primavera
A vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables sautéed and tossed with pasta, adding a fresh touch that works well alongside the richness of Nonna Teresa’s dish.
Classic Tomato Basil Sauce
A timeless sauce that enhances any pasta, made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for those who enjoy a traditional Italian flavor.
Carbonara
A creamy and decadent pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper, providing a satisfying contrast to Nonna Teresa’s lighter sauce.
Pesto Pasta
A fragrant combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan, this vibrant green sauce adds a fresh twist and pairs well with various pasta shapes.