How do you make pasta?

Making pasta at home requires careful attention to measurements, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Here's a basic guide to help you make pasta:

Ingredients for Egg Pasta (2 servings):

- 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare your ingredients. Make sure you have the following handy: flour, eggs, salt, and a work surface dusted with flour.

2. Start with the Dough:**

- In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center of the flour.

3. Add Eggs:**

- Break the eggs into the well you made in the flour.

4. Combine the Ingredients:**

- Slowly start incorporating the flour into the eggs using a fork. As the dough comes together, use your hands to knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Knead the Dough:**

- Knead the dough on the floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it's silky smooth and holds its shape.

6. Rest the Dough:**

- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax and creates a more pliable dough.

7. Roll Out the Dough:**

- Once rested, divide the dough into two or three smaller pieces.

- On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each piece into thin sheets. The thickness depends on your preference for pasta type (e.g., fettuccine, tagliatelle, etc.).

8. Cut the Pasta:**

- If desired, you can cut the pasta sheets into different shapes using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter.

9. Cook the Pasta:**

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

- Add the pasta and stir gently to prevent it from sticking.

- For fresh pasta, it usually only takes a few minutes to cook (around 2-3 minutes). Taste a piece to check if it's cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite).

10. Drain the Pasta:**

- Once cooked, use a colander or a slotted spoon to drain the pasta from the boiling water.

11. Add Sauce and Enjoy:**

- Toss the pasta with your favorite pasta sauce or simply drizzle it with olive oil and add grated Parmesan cheese.

Remember, making homemade pasta requires some practice, and the measurements might vary slightly depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. With time, you'll get a feel for the right consistency of the dough, and you'll be able to make delicious pasta like a pro!