We received a pasta machine for our wedding and we finally made homemade pasta! It was a fun afternoon making it with Ryan and sipping on some wine. This pasta is made w/ whole wheat and spinach and the pasta does have a bite to it. We rolled the pasta out to 3 on the machine, which is thin, but I think the whole wheat flour does change the texture a little bit. This recipe was really great and we finished the pasta w/ lemon zest, fresh parm, pepper and olive oil. With the fresh pasta, I believe it needs a delicate sauce so you really can taste the pasta. Really liked this recipe, but I am interested in trying an all purpose flour next! I used this recipe
Spinach Whole Wheat Pasta Dough
Serves 4 people
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach leaves
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
2 eggs
1/2 cup water (for steaming spinach)
2 cups spinach leaves
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
2 eggs
1/2 cup water (for steaming spinach)
Directions:
Step 1: Boil the water and drop the spinach leaves in until they are fully wilted. Drain the water but save it in a bowl for later. Put the spinach into a blender or food processor. Blend the spinach until it liquifies. You may need to add in some of the reserved water.
Step 2: Put the flour into a large bowl and make a well with the flour to crack the eggs into. Then, add the salt, pepper and spinach purée. Mix the well’s ingredients with a fork until they are well blended. Then start incorporating the flour.
Step 3: You’ll quickly get to a point where the fork seems useless and your hands would be better suited for the job. Wipe off the fork and start mixing the ingredients into a dough with your hands. If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the spinach water. Likewise, if it’s too watery, add more flour. Just use your best judgement. Knead the dough for up to 10 minutes to strengthen the gluten.
Step 4: After kneading the dough, let it rest at room temperature for an hour (or if you want to use it the next day, put it in the fridge). you can either put it in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or just completely wrap it in plastic wrap, which is what I did.Step 5: Roll out the dough on a clean, floured work surface, so it can fit through the pasta machine. Then start using the pasta machine to make desired pasta. Keep dusting the machine and finished pasta with flour to ensure it doesn't stick together.
Step 6: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and slowly drop your noodles into it. Be sure that your noodles are thoroughly floured so that they don’t stick together. (The excess flour will come off in the water). The thinner they are, the quicker they will cook (4 minutes or less!). Serve up with favorite sauce!
