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What good ideas I will need to start looking for a pasta machine. I have been put off by the cost of some of the other machines and their costs. I have ordered a pressure cooker so I can can everything and don't need to freeze as much (freezer space is a problem lol) but my son is a pasta fiend. If I could find a decent priced pasta machine I would be set since everything else we eat is grown here or in the state by others we know.
The best pasta is cranked by hand, so look for a second-hand one in stainless steel- it will last for life. They clamp onto the edge of a counter or table and then stores anywhere (maybe 6in x 6inch box)
My pasta recipe:
3 cups flour
3 eggs
3 tbsp water and
1 tbsp olive oil
tsp salt
Put flour on the counter (or maybe a large bowl ur first few times)
Make a well in the middle
Mix the wet ingredients and pour slowly into the middle of the well (reserving a bit in case it is a humid day and u don't need it all)
cut together with 2 butter knives or a pasta/pastry cutter
knead the dough until smooth.
cover with cling film and allow to rest for at least half an hour at room temp
when finished resting, you will know because u can poke ur finger into it, and it springs back
cut into 4 pieces and roll the quarters into whatever thickness/shapes you wish. Thinner for spaghetti-types, thicker for chicken soup/tuna cass type noodles
drop into boiling water and cook for about 4 minutes (cooks way faster than dried)
can be hung dry if u don't need a pound of pasta for ur meal or for storage
additions can include cooked spinach, roasted red pepper, garlic, etc...added to the dough.