There’s something truly special about homemade pasta. The thought of creating a delicious meal from scratch using just a few simple ingredients is enough to make any food lover’s mouth water. But when it comes to making homemade pasta, many of us may shy away, thinking it’s too complicated or time-consuming. However, I’m here to tell you that making homemade cavatelli is both easy and fun, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
For those who may not be familiar, cavatelli is a type of pasta that originated in southern Italy. It’s a small, shell-shaped pasta that is perfect for scooping up sauces and flavors. Its unique shape makes it a favorite among pasta lovers, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
So, why should you bother making cavatelli from scratch when you can easily buy it at the store? Well, for one, making pasta from scratch is incredibly satisfying. There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something delicious with your own hands. Plus, homemade cavatelli has a texture and flavor that just can’t be replicated by store-bought pasta. And let’s not forget that making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more wholesome meal.
Now, you may be thinking, “But I don’t have a pasta machine!” Don’t worry; you don’t need one to make cavatelli. In fact, all you need are your hands and a few simple tools. So, let’s dive into the process of making homemade cavatelli.
First and foremost, you’ll need to make the pasta dough. You can use any basic pasta dough recipe, but here’s one to get you started:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of water (or more if needed)
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in the eggs and olive oil.
3. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs and olive oil.
4. If the dough is too dry, add in a little bit of water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
5. Once the dough forms a ball, place it on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, this is a good time to start on your sauce. You can use any tomato sauce or ragu of your choice, but I recommend making it from scratch as well for the ultimate homemade meal experience.
Now, let’s move on to shaping the cavatelli. You’ll need a cavatelli board or a gnocchi board, which can be easily found at most kitchen supply stores. If you don’t have one, you can use a fork or a cheese grater.
1. Cut the rested dough into four equal parts and roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
3. Using your thumb, press down and roll each piece on the cavatelli board or fork, creating a shell-like shape.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Let the cavatelli dry on a floured surface for about 15 minutes before cooking.
To cook the cavatelli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in the pasta. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the pasta floats to the surface. Then, drain and add it to your sauce, tossing to coat.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious batch of homemade cavatelli ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with some freshly grated parmesan cheese and a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.
Making homemade cavatelli may seem daunting at first, but once you try it, you’ll realize how easy and fun it is. Plus, the end result is absolutely worth it. The chewy and rustic texture of the pasta combined with the rich and flavorful sauce is a match made in heaven. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.
So, the next time you’re craving a restaurant-worthy meal
