The origins of Pasta’s appearance in Europe have ancient roots. There is a huge amount of diversity in what shape the pasta is available. There are also many local variations, some of the shapes define a region of Italy and there are lots of secret recipes. It’s one of the first things children learn to make and the pasta maker is an essential part of an Italian kitchen.
Pasta is made from flour. A dough is created and then cut into shapes. However, whilst wheat is the most popular choice there are plenty of other substitutes. Yellow beans and legumes can be used to give different taste experiences. For one of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin try https://www.forno500.ie/. You can really get a feel for the great traditions of this ever-popular cuisine.
Whilst we associate the food solely with Italian cooking it does not strictly originate from the Mediterranean country. Pasta is a classic example of the influence of China and the Far East on Europe. Marco Polo, the great Italian explorer, observes the creation of noodles when he is out on his adventure in China. He realised that this could make a brilliant wonder food and a possible staple to the people back home in Italy. He takes the recipe and adapts it to his home country and the rest is history. They embrace this and make it their own. So, when you tuck into a nice lasagna, remember, it’s actually come from the Far East first.
Making fresh pasta dough at home
For all its long history, pasta is easy to make at home, and a pasta machine gives fresh pasta a smooth, silky finish. A simple dough uses one cup of plain flour, one cup of durum wheat or semolina flour, two beaten eggs, two beaten egg yolks and half a teaspoon of water.
Put the flours in a mixer bowl with the paddle attachment and start on a low speed so the flour does not fly out. Slowly pour in the eggs and mix until the dough turns crumbly, adding a little water if it seems dry.
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a couple of minutes, pressing, rolling and repeating until it comes together and feels smooth. Shape it into a flat disc, wrap it and leave it to rest in the fridge for about two hours before rolling it through the machine and cutting it into your chosen shape.