Homemade Pasta Sausage Recipe: Easy and Delicious
There's something incredibly satisfying about making your own pasta from scratch. Not only does it taste better, but it's also a fun process that brings a touch of authenticity to your dinner table. Today, we're going to explore how you can make your own homemade pasta with sausage, creating a dish that's both easy and delicious.
Why Make Homemade Pasta?
The journey into making homemade pasta is a rewarding experience that offers several benefits:
- Freshness: Homemade pasta is known for its superior taste due to its freshness. The texture is undeniably superior when you enjoy pasta mere hours or even minutes after it's made.
- Ingredients Control: By making your own pasta, you get to choose the quality and type of ingredients you use, ensuring your dish is free from preservatives or unwanted additives.
- Therapeutic Process: Kneading and rolling the dough can be incredibly therapeutic, offering a relaxing break from daily hustle.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before diving into the recipe, here's what you'll need:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Semolina Flour (or '00' Flour) | 2 cups |
Eggs | 2 large |
Water | 2 tablespoons (optional) |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | A pinch |
Sausages | 300 grams, mild or hot |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Parmesan | 1/2 cup, grated (optional for serving) |
Parsley | Fresh, chopped for garnish |
Making Your Homemade Pasta
👩🍳 Note: If you have a pasta machine, it will greatly simplify the rolling process. But with a little patience, you can also roll it out by hand.
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour with a pinch of salt in a large bowl or directly on a clean work surface:
- Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it.
- Beat the eggs with a fork and gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
- If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to achieve a smooth, but not sticky, consistency.
- Add olive oil and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Resting the Dough
This is a crucial step for the perfect texture:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax.
3. Rolling and Cutting
Time to roll out your dough:
- Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces for ease of rolling.
- Using a pasta machine or by hand, roll each piece until it's paper-thin, then cut into desired pasta shapes.
⚙️ Note: If making tagliatelle or fettuccine, let the rolled-out sheets dry slightly before cutting to ensure cleaner cuts.
Cooking Your Sausage Pasta
Now, let's turn our attention to the sausage:
1. Preparing the Sausage
- Remove the sausage meat from its casings.
- In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until it's fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up as you cook until it's well-browned and slightly crispy.
2. Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook your homemade pasta for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Homemade pasta cooks much faster than store-bought.
3. Combining Pasta and Sausage
- Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the sausage pan, tossing to combine. If needed, use the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Serving Your Dish
To serve:
- Plate your pasta with sausage, optionally topping with freshly grated Parmesan and a garnish of chopped parsley.
This dish not only tastes divine but also presents beautifully. With a homemade pasta sausage recipe, you get to savor the essence of a simple yet indulgent meal that brings family and friends together.
Can I use different types of flour for pasta?
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Yes, you can experiment with different flours, although the texture might vary. Semolina or ‘00’ flour is traditional, but all-purpose flour can work, especially if mixed with semolina for better texture.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
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Homemade pasta cooks quickly. Check it by tasting after 2 minutes of cooking. It should still have a slight bite in the center, which indicates it’s al dente.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
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Yes, you can dry the pasta and store it for future use, or freeze fresh pasta for longer storage. Just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
What sausage can I use?
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Opt for fresh sausage with flavors you enjoy; mild Italian sausage, spicy chorizo, or chicken sausage all work well, depending on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make pasta without eggs?
+Yes, for an egg-free pasta, use water instead. The texture will be slightly different, but you can achieve a good result with water and flour alone.