**Homemade Cavatelli Pasta: A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen**
Cavatelli, a traditional Italian pasta shaped like small shells, offers a delightful culinary experience with its unique texture and the ability to hold sauces and fillings exceptionally well. Originating from the southern regions of Italy, particularly Puglia and Basilicata, cavatelli boasts a rich history and cultural significance. This article presents a collection of three distinct homemade cavatelli recipes, each offering a unique twist on the classic dish.
Our first recipe, "Classic Cavatelli Pasta," introduces you to the fundamental steps of making cavatelli from scratch. Using simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, this recipe guides you through the process of creating the signature shape that defines cavatelli.
Next, we present the "Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Cavatelli." This vibrant recipe incorporates the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic to create a colorful and flavorful pasta dish. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal, this cavatelli variation is sure to impress.
Finally, we have the "Roasted Red Pepper and Sausage Cavatelli." This hearty and savory recipe combines roasted red peppers, sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this cavatelli recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you're a seasoned pasta maker or just starting your culinary journey, this collection of homemade cavatelli recipes offers something for every taste and skill level. Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure as you explore the world of handmade pasta with these authentic Italian recipes.
HOMEMADE CAVATELLI PASTA DOUGH RECIPE
Learn how to make this Homemade Cavatelli Pasta Dough Recipe & enjoy simple, rustic casalinga-style pasta with your favorite sauce.
Provided by Maria Vannelli RD
Categories Main
Time 3h5m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place the sifted flour on a wooden board and make a well in the center.
- Add the water and the salt in the center of the well.
- With a fork, start incorporating the flour and the water until you get a thick batter. Pull in the flour from the bottom of the well.
- With the help of a dough scraper, incorporate the rest of the flour (it may appear to you that there isn't enough water...just keep kneading...magically everything comes together).
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little bit of flour. If, on the other hand, the dough feels dry, sprinkle a few drops of water over the dough and continue kneading.
- Wrap dough in cling wrap and let it rest for about one hour at room temperature (I will usually place a tea towel over the top).
- Cut the dough into 4 pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough to approximately ¼ inch thick. Make sure your board and rolling pin are floured.
- Cut the into ¾ - 1 inch strips.
- Cut each strip into 1/4 - 1/2 inch rectangular pieces.
- Using the index finger, apply a gentle pressure on the dough, dragging it toward you. There should be a slight curl that forms.
- Place cavatelli on large baking sheets that have been dusted with flour. Place the cavatelli in a single layer and not touching one another.
- Continue until all the dough has been formed into cavatelli.
- Allow to air dry for at least 30 minutes.
- If using immediately, drop in a large pot of salted boiling water for a few minutes. The cavatelli are done when they float to the top. (Try to shake off as much as the flour as possible before boiling them). Taste to make sure they are cooked to your liking.
- If freezing, place the tray of cavatelli in the freezer and once frozen, place in plastic bag in the freezer. Can be cooked frozen. (Should take 6-8 minutes to cook. Once they rise to the top, they should be done. Taste to make sure they are cookedto your liking).
- Serve with your favorite sauce.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 303 kcal, Carbohydrate 63 g, Protein 8 g, Sodium 392 mg, Fiber 2 g
CAVATELLI PASTA RECIPE
This is an eggless pasta which uses just two ingredients and can be made in not much more than an hour plus you won't need any special equipment.
Provided by Marcellina
Categories Main Course Pasta
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Place the semolina flour on a work surface, make a well in the middle and sprinkle with salt.
- Add most of water into the well in the centre of the flour.
- Start combining water with the flour using your fingers or a fork. Pulling in the flour and forming a dough. Add more water if needed. The dough should feel soft and supple, a bit like playdough.
- Knead well for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic then form into a ball.
- Wrap with plastic and set aside for 30 minutes to rest.
- After 30 minutes, cut off ¼ of the dough. Rewrap the remaining dough.
- Roll the cut off portion of dough into a sausage shape. You shouldn't need any extra semolina/flour but if you do, use it sparingly.
- Continue rolling until you have a long rope about ½ inch ( or approx 1cm) in diameter. It may be easier to cut it in half and keep rolling to achieve this thickness.
- Cut the rope into ¾-1 inch (2-2.5cm) lengths.
- Using two fingers (the index and the middle finger), press firmly onto each piece of dough and drag towards you creating a curl and an indentation.
- Place in a single layer and not touching on parchment (baking) paper that has been dusted with semolina/flour.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes. This will depend on the size of the cavatelli. Taste after 5 minutes and cook longer if needed. Cooking may be even longer than 10 minutes if you have made larger cavatelli.
- Serve with your favorite sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 kcal, Carbohydrate 82 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 392 mg, Fiber 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HOMEMADE CAVATELLI IN 3 EASY STEPS
Learn how to make delicious cavatelli pasta at home in 3 simple steps.
Provided by Italian Recipe Book
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Measure and sieve both flours and mound it on your kitchen worktop (preferably wooden).
- Using your hands, scoop out the center of your mound. Add water and extra virgin olive oil in the center.
- First with a fork then with your hands start to pull in flour to combine ingredients and form the dough.
- Knead for a 5-10 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a plastic wrap or a linen towel tucking the edges. Let rest for 10-15 minutes on the counter top to let the dough gain elasticity.
- Using a dough scraper cut off a piece from the dough ball.Roll it into a rope a bit more than ⅓ inch in diameter.Dust the work surface and the dough with some flour.
- Cut the rope into ⅓ inch "pillows".
- Using your index and middle finger press on the "pillow" curling it towards you.
- That's it!If the dough pieces start to stick to your finger, dust cavatelli with some more flour.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
HOMEMADE CAVATELLI PASTA
Cavatelli is a typical Southern Italian pasta made out of just durum wheat semolina flour and water. The starch contained in the durum gives this pasta its distinctive and firm texture, perfect to go with a simple tomato sauce or with a rich Bolognese. Make sure to use a very fine semolina (called durum or semola rimacinata) or the dough will be too stiff.
Provided by Bernadette
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix semolina flour and salt in a large bowl or on a marble work surface. Make a well in the center.
- Pour water into the well a little at a time, mixing it with the flour. Add as much water as needed to make a sticky but compact dough.
- Knead dough with your hands by flattening the ball, stretching it, and folding the top towards the center. Turn 45 degrees and repeat until dough is elastic and smooth, but not too soft, about 10 minutes.
- Shape dough into a ball. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. If you are using the cavatelli within a few hours or the following day, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
- Work with one portion of the dough at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered to keep it from drying out. Dust a work surface with semolina flour; roll out the dough to make a rope, about 1/3 inch thick.
- Cut off little 1/3-inch-thick pieces. Press and gently drag the small piece of dough towards you with your index and middle finger. The two sides will curl inwards, leaving hollow spaces.
- Proceed the same way with the rest of the dough. Transfer cavatelli to a floured surface and sprinkle with more semolina flour. Do not overlap cavatelli or they will stick together. Let dry for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.2 calories, Carbohydrate 68.4 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 11.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 41.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
HOMEMADE CAVATELLI
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Cuisine-Inspired Recipes Italian Recipes
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Mix together flours and salt on a clean surface, make a well in center, and gradually add 1/2 cup water and oil, working flours into center until a dough forms. (If dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.) Knead dough until smooth and it springs back when gently pressed, about 5 minutes. Wrap in plastic.
- Sprinkle 2 rimmed baking sheets with semolina flour. Divide dough into 8 pieces; keep covered with plastic wrap. Roll one piece at a time into a long rope, about 1/3 inch in diameter, then cut rope into 1/3-inch-long pieces. Using tips of index and middle fingers, firmly press each piece and pull dough toward you so it lengthens slightly and forms a curl in the middle. Transfer pieces to baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Cavatelli can be refrigerated, covered, up to 4 hours. (Or freeze on sheet; once firm, transfer to a resealable bag and freeze up to 3 months. There's no need to thaw before cooking.)
Tips:
- Use the right flour: Semolina flour is the best choice for cavatelli because it gives the pasta a slightly chewy texture. If you don't have semolina flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the pasta will be a little softer.
- Don't overwork the dough: The dough should be just slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it's difficult to handle. If you overwork the dough, the pasta will be tough.
- Let the dough rest: After you've kneaded the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will help the gluten to relax and make the pasta easier to roll out.
- Use a cavatelli maker: A cavatelli maker is a specialized tool that helps you to shape the pasta. If you don't have a cavatelli maker, you can use a fork or a butter knife to create the ridges.
- Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water: The pasta should be cooked in a large pot of boiling salted water. The water should be salted so that it tastes like the sea.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cavatelli pasta cooks quickly, so it's important not to overcook it. The pasta is done when it floats to the top of the water and is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Serve the pasta with your favorite sauce: Cavatelli pasta can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto sauce, or Alfredo sauce.
Conclusion:
Cavatelli pasta is a delicious and versatile pasta that can be served with a variety of sauces. It's a great choice for a quick and easy meal, and it's also a fun pasta to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can easily make your own cavatelli pasta that will impress your family and friends.
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