Ingredients
Method
Pasta Dough Prep
- On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a few drops of water.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Roll out the Dough
- After resting, cut the dough into smaller pieces.
- Working with one piece at a time, flatten it slightly with your hands.
- Set your pasta machine to the widest setting and pass the dough through.
- Fold the dough into thirds, then rotate it 90 degrees and pass it through the machine again.
- Continue this process, gradually narrowing the settings on the machine with each pass, until you reach your desired thickness (usually the second-last setting).
Shapeshifting
- Once you have a thin sheet of pasta dough, cut it into rectangles, about 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide.
- Take each rectangle and wrap it around a knitting needle or a thin rod (like a chopstick) to form a tube. Press the ends together gently to seal.
- Slide the rod out carefully, leaving behind the Ziti shape.
- Place the formed Ziti on a lightly floured tray while you work on the remaining dough.
Cook the Ziti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully add the fresh Ziti pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and use immediately in your favorite sauce or recipe.
Buon Appetito! Enjoy!