Best 5 Moms Pasta Dough Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Pasta, a culinary delight originating from Italy, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. A versatile dish, pasta can be enjoyed in various forms, from long and thin spaghetti to short and plump rigatoni, paired with diverse sauces and ingredients. This article presents a comprehensive guide to making homemade pasta dough, including step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a collection of delectable pasta recipes. Whether you're a seasoned pasta enthusiast or just starting your culinary journey, this guide has something for everyone. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to creative pesto pasta and hearty lasagna, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on this delightful journey into the world of homemade pasta. Buon appetito!

**Recipes included in the article:**

* **Mom's Pasta Dough:** This classic pasta dough recipe is a staple in many Italian households, passed down from generation to generation. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of elbow grease, you can create a smooth, elastic dough that forms the foundation of delicious homemade pasta.

* **Spaghetti and Meatballs:** A timeless Italian-American dish that combines tender spaghetti with savory meatballs, all smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe will guide you through the process of making each component from scratch, ensuring a truly authentic and satisfying meal.

* **Pesto Pasta:** A vibrant and aromatic dish that showcases the freshness of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe provides a simple yet delicious pesto sauce that coats al dente pasta, creating a light and flavorful meal that's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

* **Lasagna:** A classic Italian dish that embodies comfort and indulgence. Layers of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese come together in this iconic casserole. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to assembling and baking a perfect lasagna that will impress your family and friends.

* **Cacio e Pepe:** A minimalist Roman pasta dish that celebrates the simplicity and purity of a few high-quality ingredients. This recipe focuses on the harmonious balance of pecorino cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BASIC FRESH PASTA DOUGH



Basic Fresh Pasta Dough image

Fresh pasta isn't something to master in one go. It takes time and practice, but it yields dividends. This particular recipe is vastly versatile. It can be made into whole grain pasta, by swapping in 1 cup sifted whole wheat, spelt or farro flour in place of 1 cup all-purpose or 00 flour. Add more egg yolks or water as needed and rest the dough for 1 hour. Or try a green pasta, as in this ravioli verdi: Steam or sauté 6 ounces baby spinach (about 6 cups) until just wilted. Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and, when cool, squeeze water out thoroughly, a handful at a time, then chop roughly. Purée with 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk, then use this mixture in place of eggs in the recipe. Or, for something a little different, make an herbed pasta, like this pappardelle, by stirring in 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, chives, chervil, tarragon, or basil in any combination to the eggs before adding to the flour in the main recipe.

Provided by Samin Nosrat

Categories     dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings for cut pasta, 6 to 8 servings for stuffed pasta

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups 00 or all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
3 egg yolks, plus more as needed
Semolina flour, for dusting

Steps:

  • Mound the flour in the center of a large, wide mixing bowl. Dig a well in the center of the mound and add eggs and yolks. Using a fork, beat together the eggs and begin to incorporate the flour, starting with the inner rim of the well. The dough will start to come together in a shaggy mass when about half of the flour is incorporated.
  • Use your fingers to continue to mix the dough. Press any loose bits of flour into the mass of dough. If needed, add another egg yolk or a tablespoon of water to absorb all of the flour. Once the dough comes together into a cohesive mass, remove it from the bowl.
  • Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 4 to 5 more minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic and uniform in color. Wrap the dough in plastic and set aside for at least 30 minutes (and up to 4 hours) at room temperature.
  • Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with semolina flour. Set aside.
  • Cut off a quarter of the dough. Rewrap rest, and set aside. Use the heel of your hand to flatten the dough into an oval approximately the same width as your pasta machine, about six inches. Set the rollers to their widest setting and pass the dough through.
  • Lay the dough out onto a lightly floured cutting board or countertop and neatly press together into halves, so it's again about the same width of the pasta machine. Feed the pasta through again at the widest setting. Think of these first rollings as an extended kneading. Continue to fold the dough in thirds and roll it until it is smooth, silky and even-textured. Do your best to make the sheet the full width of the machine.
  • Once the dough is silky and smooth, you can begin to roll it out more thinly. Roll it once through each of the next two or three settings, adding flour as needed, until the dough is about 1/4-inch thick.
  • Once the pasta is about 1/4-inch thick, begin rolling it twice through each setting. As you roll, lightly sprinkle all-purpose or 00 flour on both sides of the pasta to prevent it from sticking to itself.
  • Roll out pasta until you can just see the outline of your hand when you hold it under a sheet, about 1/16-inch thick for noodles, or 1/32-inch thick for a filled pasta. (On most machines, you won't make it to the thinnest setting.)
  • Cut pasta into sheets, about 12 to 14 inches long. Dust the sheets lightly with semolina flour and stack on one of the prepared baking sheets and cover with a clean, lightly dampened kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 197, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 28 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BASIC PASTA DOUGH



Basic Pasta Dough image

Provided by Food Network

Yield about 1 pound or 4 portions

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
3 eggs

Steps:

  • On a clean dry work surface, make a mound of the flour and, using your fingers, make a well in the center of the mound. Using a fork, break the shell of the eggs one by one and drop the eggs into the center of the well you made of the flour. With the fork, beat the eggs together. Again using the fork, slowly begin to fold the flour in towards the center of the well to incorporate the flour into the beaten eggs. As you mix the flour with the beaten eggs, it will begin to form a doughy mass. Work this mass using your fingers until it begins to lose its moist and sticky character.
  • When the mass begins to feel uniformly dry, begin to work the dough using both hands: kneading with the palms of both hands, pushing from the center of the ball of dough outwards and folding the near edge inwards to begin the kneading cycle again. The kneading stage should take about 10 minutes by hand.
  • After the dough has been fully kneaded, it is time to thin the dough into sheets suitable for cutting. A manual pasta machine works wonders at this stage. Cut the ball of dough into three equal pieces. Form these pieces, by hand, into equal rectangular shape to be passed through the rollers of the pasta machine. Set the cylindrical rollers at their widest opening, put a piece of dough in the space between rollers and crank the handle to pass the dough through. As the sheet of pasta comes out the bottom of the rollers it should be set on a dry cotton towel to rest while you begin on the next piece. Repeat the thinning process with the remaining pieces of pasta, thinning and then setting aside, consecutively so that each piece of pasta is equally rolled out. When all the pasta has passed through the first rolling stage, set the machine to the next setting to begin rolling the pasta thinner. Start the rolling process again, beginning with the first piece of dough and continue with the remaining pieces. As each is rolled thinner set it aside and continue onto the next.
  • As you return to the first piece of dough, set the cylinders one setting closer. Continue in this fashion until the pasta dough has been rolled out as thinly as possible.
  • As the sheets of dough rest, keep them on a cotton towel, to prevent sticking to the work surface. When they are all rolled out you are ready to cut the pasta into the desired shape. They can be cut using the cutting wheels of the rolling machine or by hand using a knife.

HOMEMADE PASTA DOUGH



Homemade Pasta Dough image

Think it's too time-consuming to make your own pasta? Think again. Our homemade pasta dough is ready in one hour.

Provided by Paula Jones

Categories     Side Dish

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 3/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt

Steps:

  • Place flour in a mound on clean large work surface. Make a well (hole) in center of flour. Crack eggs into center of well. Sprinkle salt over eggs.
  • Using fork, gently break up eggs. With fork, begin to incorporate flour into eggs. Once mixture is somewhat combined, use hands to squeeze and work dough into a ball. (Dough should be tacky but not sticky.)
  • Knead pasta dough like bread dough-push down dough with palm of hand, fold dough over itself and repeat-until dough is smooth, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Cover dough with clean kitchen towel. Let rest about 30 minutes.
  • Cut dough into 4 equal pieces. Remove 1 piece of dough; cover remaining with towel. Flatten piece of dough with palm of hand. Using rolling pin or pasta machine, roll to about 1/16-inch thickness or to desired thickness. Repeat with remaining pieces of dough.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

MOM'S SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Mom's Spaghetti Sauce image

A great sauce for any pasta dish, I usually leave the meats out for most baked dishes. This recipe came to me from my Mother, a full-blooded Italian-American, with a few minor additions/changes by me. I have never found a recipe that I like as much, but then I am probably biased. Cook time is 1 to 8 hours depending on how long you have. Mom used to cook it all day. I like to go at least two hours, but I have spent as little as 45 minutes on the cook time.

Provided by Wally Wilkins

Categories     Sauces

Time 2h30m

Yield 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 stalks celery
1 large onion
2 -4 cloves garlic (or 2-4 tablespoons of diced garlic from the jar You can adjust to taste.)
3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste (I prefer Contadina)
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tomatoes (Use what you prefer, but I like the diced Italian Seasoning type)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb stewing beef, cut in cubes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (can use vegetable oil if you prefer)
4 -8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 -4 ounces black olives, chopped or sliced (optional)
1 bell pepper (optional)
oregano
thyme
sweet basil
rosemary
cumin
italian seasoning, can be used in place of the above spices
bay leaf
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • Cut celery and onion (and bell pepper if used) as fine as you prefer.
  • If you like chunky style sauce make the pieces bigger, I like mine chopped fairly small.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tblspn of oil, when oil is hot (not smoking) add celery and stirfry.
  • As celery begins to clarify, add onion (and bell pepper, if used) and stirfry until it begins to glaze, add chopped garlic, stir for a short time (don't let anything begin to brown).
  • If using meat, add ground beef or stew beef and brown, stirring regularly, adjust heat to make sure nothing burns.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a larger pot (if you have a good sized pot that you can brown in, you can just start with that instead of using the skillet.).
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook until the color darkens.
  • Stir in tomatos and tomato sauce.
  • Add spices (Italian seasoning or individual spices) to taste.
  • Add 3 Bay Leaves.
  • Stir in mushrooms and/or black olives and crushed red pepper, if desired.
  • Stir in 1-2 cans of water (I use the tomato paste, tomato and tomato paste cans to get the leavings out of them.).
  • Adjust heat to simmer.
  • Let cook for at least 1 hour, longer if you can, and stir regularly.
  • Check spice to taste and add what you want.
  • You can cook this for a little while or for a longer time.
  • I prefer at least 2 hours to give all the spices a chance to blend well.
  • But it can be cooked for as little as a half hour.
  • If you want it to cook for a long time, monitor the thickness and add water as needed.
  • Don't forget to remove the Bay Leaves before serving.
  • Some people like to add a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity, but I believe that the Bay Leaves accomplish this and have never used sugar.
  • When done, serve over or mix with the cooked pasta of your choice.
  • Add grated parmissan if desired.
  • Also individuals can add crushed red pepper to their own servings, for those who like it a little spicier.
  • If making a baked dish such as Lasagna, Ziti, etc.
  • you may want to make the sauce a little thinner (add water) to start with.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1002.5, Fat 50.2, SaturatedFat 15.7, Cholesterol 154.2, Sodium 3359.7, Carbohydrate 90.4, Fiber 21.5, Sugar 55.3, Protein 60.9

MOMOS



Momos image

The filling and the dipping sauce for these traditional dumplings vary throughout the Himalayas; this recipe calls for a vegetarian filling with potato and cabbage and a spicy sauce of tomatoes, ginger, and cilantro. You can also serve them with soy sauce in addition to hot sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Vegetarian Recipes

Yield Makes 30

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 cup warm water
8 ounces Yukon gold potatoes (about 2 medium), unpeeled
Coarse salt
2 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1/4 medium head)
1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushroom caps (about 2 ounces)
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons homemade or low-sodium store-bought vegetable stock
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, room temperature
Vegetable oil, for steaming
Nepali Hot Sauce, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the dough: Stir together flour and warm water in a bowl until a dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface, and knead until dough is smooth and springs back slightly when touched, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Make the filling: Place potatoes in a saucepan, and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add a large pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and let cool slightly. Peel potatoes, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  • Stir together the remaining ingredients except hot sauce, plus 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gently stir in potatoes. Cover, and refrigerate while you roll out the dough.
  • Divide dough into 4 pieces. Work quickly, with 1 piece at a time, keeping the remaining pieces covered with an inverted bowl. Flatten dough into an oblong slightly thinner than the pasta machine's widest setting (number 1 on a KitchenAid pasta roller). Feed through machine. Turn dial to next narrower setting. Pass dough through, gently supporting it with your palm. Continue to press dough, passing it through ever-finer settings, until very thin but still intact (number 5 of 8 on a KitchenAid pasta roller). Transfer to a lightly floured cutting board. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out rounds. Transfer to a lightly floured baking sheet, and dust with flour. Cover with parchment and a barely damp kitchen towel. Repeat, rolling and cutting 1 sheet at a time.
  • Lightly moisten edge of 1 dough round with a finger dipped in water. Cup round in the palm of your hand, and spoon 1 scant tablespoon filling in center. Place the thumb of the hand holding the dumpling over center of filling. Use the thumb and index finger of your free hand to pinch a portion of dough on one side to form a pleat. Make another pleat next to it. Repeat, rotating dumpling slightly as you work your way around, pressing each new pleat so it falls next to the one beside it. The pleats will begin to close around the thumb holding in the filling. Remove thumb, and hold top pleats while you twist the bottom of the dumpling in the opposite direction. Press with your finger to make a small indentation in the center of the pleats, pinching up edges. Make sure dumpling is tightly sealed and air has been pressed out. Return to sheet; cover, and repeat.
  • Steam dumplings in batches in an oiled steamer insert or a bamboo steamer set over simmering water until shiny, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with hot sauce.

Tips:

  • Use all-purpose flour: This is the most common type of flour used for pasta dough, and it produces a tender and chewy pasta.
  • Add salt to the dough: Salt helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta and also helps to prevent it from sticking together.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic: This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will make the pasta strong and chewy.
  • Let the dough rest before rolling it out: This will help the dough to relax and make it easier to work with.
  • Roll the dough out thinly: The thinner the dough, the more delicate the pasta will be.
  • Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling water: This will help to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Drain the pasta and serve it immediately: Pasta is best served fresh, so don't let it sit around for too long before eating it.

Conclusion:

Making pasta from scratch is a rewarding experience, and it's not as difficult as you might think. With a little practice, you'll be able to make delicious, homemade pasta that your family and friends will love. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

Related Topics