There’s an emotional quality to making homemade past for me. A mix of nostalgia and care that comes from preparing a meal for family or friends, made by hand. A simple process requiring three basic ingredients: flour, eggs and water combined with a fork and then kneaded by hand. This process, followed by the rolling and cutting of the pasta dough is rhythmic. The end result is this almost velvety pasta, that puts a smile on just about anyone’s face. I daydream and reminisce about my childhood where I spent my summers with my Nanna and sister making homemade pasta, gnocchi and biscotti regularly. The scent of the pasta even, as crazy as that may sound, transports me back to this time that I loved.
I don’t make homemade pasta as often as I should. When I do, I’m sure to have Luciano Pavarotti cranked up in the kitchen, glass of red wine in hand and an apron on ( I can get aggressive with the flour!) The process begins with my kids weaving in and out of the kitchen helping to roll and cut the pasta when they feel inspired but mostly their help comes in the form of eating it when prepared. I’m fine with it being a solitary event, it feels almost therapeutic (even more so than vacuuming!)
To make the pasta you will need some proper equipment, namely a metal pasta machine. Although, I have seen pasta making rolling pins, which look easy enough to use (check out Food52.com). I have my Nanna’s pasta maker, which is extra special and probably the real reason that I find the pasta making experience so emotional.
I’m not sure if there is any other meal that brings so much joy to me both in the preparing and eating, than homemade pasta. Buon appetito!
Mimi Eats 