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Homemade Spaghetti

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

  1. Prepare the Dough:
  • On a clean work surface or in a large bowl, create a mound with the flour. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, salt, and olive oil.
  • Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough starts to form.
  1. Knead the Dough:
  • Once the dough comes together, knead it by hand for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Prepare to Roll:
  • After resting, divide the dough into four equal portions to make it easier to roll out. Keep the pieces you are not using covered to prevent them from drying out.
  1. Roll the Dough:
  • Using a rolling pin or a pasta machine, roll each portion out to your desired thickness. For spaghetti, aim for a thickness of about 1/16 inch. Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  1. Cut the Spaghetti:
  • Once rolled out, lightly dust the sheet of dough with flour and fold it over a couple of times. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into thin strips to form spaghetti. Unravel the strips and place them on a floured surface or a drying rack.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Boil Water:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, usually in about 2-4 minutes.
  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Taste the pasta after 2 minutes for doneness; it should be al dente (cooked but still firm).
  1. Drain and Toss:
  • Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  1. Add Tomatoes and Season:
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  1. Taste and Adjust:
  • Adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a smoother sauce, you can blend it for a few seconds with an immersion blender.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Combine:
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the marinara sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly.
  1. Garnish:
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Spaghetti

  • Use Quality Flour: While all-purpose flour works well, using “00” flour, often used in Italian pasta-making, can yield a silkier texture.
  • Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for achieving the right texture.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs, spinach, or beet juice to the dough for different flavors and colors.

Conclusion

Homemade spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious dish that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine into your home. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and enjoy the art of pasta-making together! Bon appétit!

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