- Semolina Flour (2 tablespoons) - for dusting and texture
- Water (3/4 cup, room temperature) - ensure it's not too cold or hot
- Salt (1 teaspoon) - enhances flavor
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) - adds moisture and flexibility to the dough
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Steps
## How to Make Whole Wheat Pasta Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whole wheat pasta offers a rich, nutty flavor and is packed with nutrients from the whole grain. Making your own can be surprisingly simple and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to create a basic whole wheat pasta dough that's perfect for making fettuccine or tagliatelle.
### Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups (180g) whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- A pinch of salt
### Equipment Required:
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Pasta machine or rolling pin and knife
- Clean kitchen cloth or sheet
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare Your Ingredients:**
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature as this will help them blend more easily with the flour.
- Measure out 2 cups of whole wheat flour, which should yield about 300 grams.
2. **Mixing the Dough:**
- Place the flour on a clean work surface or in a large mixing bowl, forming a well in the center. Add the eggs and a pinch of salt to the well.
- Use a fork or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients starting from the center, gradually pulling the flour into the mixture.
3. **Kneading the Dough:**
- Once all the flour is incorporated, begin kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough feels too dry, add more water or egg one tablespoon at a time; if it's too sticky, sprinkle in a bit of additional flour.
4. **Resting the Dough:**
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making rolling easier.
5. **Rolling Out the Pasta:**
- Divide the rested dough into four equal parts.
- On a clean surface, dusted lightly with flour, use a pasta machine or roll out each piece of dough using a rolling pin and knife (for a manual approach) until it reaches your desired thickness. For fettuccine or tagliatelle, start at about 1mm thick.
6. **Cutting the Pasta:**
- Once you have rolled out the dough to the desired thickness, use a pasta cutter or sharp knife to cut into long strips. Adjust the width of your cuts according to your preference.
- Lay the cut pasta on a clean kitchen cloth or sheet to dry slightly before cooking.
7. **Cooking and Serving:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stirring gently so it doesn’t stick together. Cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
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By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious homemade whole wheat pasta that's perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking!