Making your own whole wheat pasta at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. This recipe guides you through the simple process of making egg-free pasta dough using just a few ingredients: whole wheat flour, olive oil, water, and salt.
By following these steps, you'll learn how to mix, knead, rest, roll, and shape the dough into delicious homemade pasta.
Key Points
- Whole wheat pasta is a nutritious choice, providing more fibre, protein, and nutrients compared to refined white pasta.
- Making pasta at home gives you control over the ingredients and allows for customization to suit your dietary preferences.
- Eggs can be easily replaced in pasta dough with a mixture of olive oil, water, and salt, making this recipe suitable for vegans.
- Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavour and chewy texture to the pasta.
- The process involves mixing the dough, kneading to develop gluten, resting to relax the gluten, rolling out the dough, and shaping it into various pasta shapes.
Ingredients Needed for Whole Wheat Pasta
Whole wheat flour: The foundation of the pasta dough.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps with dough elasticity.
Water: Essential for bringing the dough together.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavour of the pasta.
Choosing the Right Whole Wheat Flour
When selecting whole wheat flour for pasta making, it's important to consider the differences between whole wheat and refined flours. Whole wheat flour is typically denser and has a nuttier taste compared to refined flours. Some recommended brands include Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole Wheat Flour and King Arthur Whole Wheat Flour.
If you prefer a lighter texture, you can experiment with white whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Spelt flour and durum wheat flour are also viable alternatives that can provide unique flavours and textures to your homemade pasta.
Equipment and Tools for Pasta Making
To make whole wheat pasta at home, you'll need some basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- While not essential, a pasta machine can make the rolling and cutting process easier and more efficient. A drying rack is also helpful for air-drying the shaped pasta before cooking.
Preparing the Dough
Begin by combining the whole wheat flour, olive oil, water, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten in the dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Rolling Out the Dough
After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions for easier handling. Using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll each portion out to your desired thickness. For thinner pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine, roll the dough even thinner than for thicker shapes like pappardelle or lasagna noodles.
When rolling the dough, be sure to rotate and flip it frequently to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness throughout.
Shaping the Pasta
Once the dough is rolled out to your desired thickness, you can cut it into various shapes using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. For long, thin shapes like fettuccine or linguine, cut the dough into long strips. For wider shapes like pappardelle, cut the dough into wider strips. You can also cut the dough into squares for making ravioli or into small pieces for gnocchi.
If you want to create unique shapes like orecchiette or cavatelli, you can use your hands to shape the dough into small pieces or roll it into ropes and cut it into small pieces.
Drying the Pasta
After shaping the pasta, it's important to let it dry slightly before cooking. You can air-dry the pasta on a lightly floured surface or hang it over a drying rack. Drying times vary depending on the thickness and shape of the pasta, but generally range from 30 minutes to several hours.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the shaped pasta. Place the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Cooking Fresh Whole Wheat Pasta
To cook fresh whole wheat pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness and shape. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once the pasta floats to the top of the boiling water and is al dente (firm to the bite), drain it and toss it with your desired sauce. Homemade whole wheat pasta pairs well with a variety of sauces, from simple olive oil and garlic to hearty meat sauces and creamy alfredo.
Storing Fresh Whole Wheat Pasta
For short-term storage, you can keep fresh whole wheat pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the shaped pasta on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen pasta can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour. If it's too dry, incorporate a little water or olive oil. Uneven cooking can be remedied by ensuring uniform dough thickness when rolling out the pasta.
Enhancing Flavour
To add extra flavour to your whole wheat pasta dough, you can incorporate herbs, spices, or vegetables. Some ideas include:
- Finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano
- Minced garlic or onion
- Grated lemon or orange zest
- Pureed roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes
- Simply mix these ingredients into the dough before kneading for a flavorful twist on classic whole wheat pasta.
Pairing Whole Wheat Pasta with Sauces
Whole wheat pasta pairs well with a variety of sauces, from classic Italian favourites to more creative options. Some popular pairings include:
- Marinara sauce: A simple tomato-based sauce that lets the nutty flavour of the whole wheat pasta shine.
- Pesto: Basil pesto or other nut-based pestos complement the texture of whole wheat pasta.
- Alfredo sauce: A creamy, cheesy sauce that balances the heartiness of whole wheat pasta.
- Roasted vegetable sauce: Pureed roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers make a flavorful and nutritious sauce.
- Nut-based sauces: Creamy sauces made with nuts like cashews or almonds pair well with whole wheat pasta.
Health Benefits of Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta
Homemade whole wheat pasta offers several health benefits compared to store-bought pasta:
- Control over ingredients: By making your own pasta, you can ensure that no preservatives or unnecessary additives are included.
- Nutrient retention: Fresh pasta retains more nutrients than dried pasta, as it hasn't undergone the drying process that can degrade some vitamins and minerals.
- Fibre and whole grain benefits: Whole wheat flour provides more fibre and complex carbohydrates compared to refined flour, which can help with digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Comparing Homemade to Store-Bought Pasta
While making pasta at home may require more time and effort compared to buying it pre-made, there are several advantages:
- Cost savings: Homemade pasta can be more cost-effective, especially if you opt for basic ingredients like whole wheat flour.
- Superior taste and texture: Many people find that homemade pasta has a richer flavour and more satisfying texture compared to store-bought options.
- Customization: Making your own pasta allows you to experiment with different flours, shapes, and flavours to suit your preferences.
Variations and Innovations
To add variety to your homemade whole wheat pasta, you can experiment with different ingredients and techniques:
- Vegetable-infused pasta: Incorporate pureed vegetables like spinach, beets, or carrots into the dough for added nutrition and colour.
- Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free flours like chickpea flour, rice flour, or almond flour to make pasta suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Flavoured pasta: Add spices, herbs, or citrus zest to the dough for a flavour boost.
- Stuffed pasta: Make ravioli, tortellini, or agnolotti by stuffing the pasta with fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
To serve your homemade whole wheat pasta, toss it with your desired sauce and garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or toasted nuts. Some complimentary side dishes include a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead of white whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use regular whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture and nuttier flavour. White whole wheat flour is a bit lighter and more tender.
How long does homemade whole wheat pasta last?
Homemade pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Frozen pasta can be cooked directly from frozen.
Can I make whole wheat pasta without a pasta machine?
Yes, you can roll out the dough by hand and cut it into shapes like fettuccine or orecchiette without a pasta machine. It may take more time and effort, but the results will still be delicious.
Conclusion
Making whole wheat pasta at home is a rewarding and delicious experience that allows you to create a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. By following these simple steps and using just a few ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful pasta that is customised to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer classic shapes or want to experiment with unique flavours, homemade whole wheat pasta is a versatile and satisfying option that is sure to impress your family and friends.
.png)
