- Because, unless you're wheat, who doesn't love freshly made pasta?
The global pandemic changed the way America eats. People found themselves ordering out to have food delivered to their homes, eating outside more when going to a restaurant, and starting to cook more foods at home. They experimented with new dishes while trying their hand at recreating dishes they loved from restaurants that weren’t open.
Homemade pasta is one thing a person might wish to try. Who doesn’t love a good Italian dish? There are two options for those who want to make perfect spiral pasta. They can try to make the pasta dough at home, using tools that make filling cooked spiral pasta a breeze, or purchase the pasta and focus on other cooking tasks they enjoy. Trying to make pasta at least once is always worthwhile, even if many will opt to purchase it later. Regardless of your kitchen island setup or tools, how do you create spiral pasta at home?
Gather the Ingredients
Most pasta recipes call for eggs, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. The chef controls the ingredients and can make the pasta healthier by substituting the flour. They may also add vegetables to boost the nutritional value of the pasta or experiment with other additions.
Place the flour in a dish and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs in the well and mix the two ingredients with a fork. Watch for the dough to come together. When it does, knead it on a flour surface. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it forms a thin sheet. Cut it into thin strips before using a knife to make thin, even spirals. If a pasta machine is available, this process is more straightforward. After cutting, place the pasta on a drying rack.
Bring water to a boil and add the pinch of salt. Carefully place the pasta in the pot and allow it to cook for a few minutes. Once the pasta reaches the al dente stage, drain it. After it has drained, add a touch of oil to prevent it from sticking. Toss the freshly made spiral pasta with the preferred sauce and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for Making Spiral Pasta
- Use gluten-free flour for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.
- Knead the pasta for approximately eight to ten minutes, which is needed to allow the gluten in the dough to develop. This gluten helps provide the right texture for pasta.
- Toss the leftover pasta with a small amount of oil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freeze extra pasta before cooking. Thaw when needed and prepare as directed above.
- Most sauces go well with spiral pasta, as the contours of the pasta hold the sauce. Experiment with different sauces to find the perfect one.
- Add spices to the pasta dough for an added kick, or mix in some food coloring for a vibrant meal. Natural food coloring is best because it won’t change the taste of the pasta.
While homemade spiral pasta is delicious, many people lack the time to make it regularly. Thankfully, they can purchase already-made spiral pasta and use it in their favorite dishes. However, knowing how to make spiral pasta at home is valuable for those with the time to cook. It’s one recipe every person should try at least once.