Classic Semolina Pasta

This classic pasta recipe is just about perfect. One batch is enough for skillet lasagna or about 4 servings, approximately.

Classic Semolina Pasta

Fresh pasta that can't be beat
Prep Time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Ingredient
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Keyword: Basics, Pasta
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 297kcal

Equipment

  • Pasta press (e.g., Kitchenaid attachment)
  • Rotary cutter
  • Noodle rack

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina flour
  • 1 cup bread flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold water

Instructions

  • Combine the semolina flour, bread flour, and salt in a large bowl. Using a fork, mix these ingredients together, then using a sifter, sift into another bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat well with a fork. Add the olive oil and mix well. Add the cold water and mix well again.
  • Pour the liquid ingredients into your mixer bowl and attach the flat beater. Add half of the sifted flour mixture, turn to speed 2 and mix 20 seconds. Add the rest of the sifted flour mixture and mix an additional 20 seconds.
  • Exchange flat beater for the dough hook. Turn to speed 2 and knead for 2 to 3 minutes, until a dough ball is formed. Stop mixing and scrape down the sides as necessary to get it form a ball. Continue kneading for a few minutes. Good pasta dough should be elastic and pliable, but FIRM (not soft like bread dough). It should not stick to your fingers or fall apart. To test for the correct consistency, pinch a small amount of dough together after kneading for 2 to 3 minutes — if the dough stays together without sticking to your fingers or falling apart, it should work well. If too soft, add more flour by dusting the top of the dough and knead some more, continuing to dust the dough with flour until achieving the right consistency. If too dry, sprinkle the dough with a bit of water (less than 1 tsp at a time) and knead some more.
  • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour (this step is very important).
  • Remove dough from refrigerator and let it rest for 15 minutes still wrapped. Using your hands, roll dough into a log, about 6-inches long. Cut the log into 6 slices, then flatten each piece slightly. Spread slices out so they aren't touching and cover with plastic wrap. Put out a sprinkling of bread flour that you will use to make sure the exterior of the pasta stays low-friction as it gets compressed by the pasta roller.
  • Using the widest setting on the pasta press, turn mixer to speed 2 and take one piece of the flattened dough coated in a bit of flour and feed through the rollers. Fold dough in half and roll again. Repeat 3 more times, lightly dusting the sheet of pasta with flour in between each rolling if it feels the slightest bit sticky.
  • Move adjustment knob to setting 2 and feed the dough sheet through the rollers only once. Continue to increase roller setting until desired dough thickness is reached: 4 for standard egg noodles; 4 or 5 for lasagna noodles, fettuccine, spaghetti, and ravioli; 6 or 7 for tortellini, thin fettuccine, and linguine fini; 7 or 8 for VERY thin "angel-hair" type pasta or a very fine linguine.
  • Once desired thickness is achieved, place sheets on a flat surface to cut into noodles (if desired) using the rotary cutter. You may need to cut sheets in half if they have grown too long for standard noodle length.
  • After cutting each sheet, hang to dry on a floured pasta rack. Dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. IMPORTANT: Flour the pasta rack or the plastic hangers before placing pasta on them. ALSO, separate the strips of pasta as best you can, so they aren't touching. This way they won't dry sticking together. If you want to dry the pasta for later use, dry for several hours and then store in airtight containers or bags.
  • When ready to cook, boil your water and add salt. Fresh pasta will cook faster than commercially bought pasta – about 4 to 5 minutes in vigorously boiling water for al dente.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Classic Semolina Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 47mg16%
Sodium 164mg7%
Potassium 127mg4%
Carbohydrates 53g18%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 68IU1%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.