homemade orecchietti
Orecchietti is Italian for little ears. They are pasta shaped like tiny little bowls, the better to pick up the sauce. Homemade pasta is not as pretty as machine made but it tastes a lot better. And, if you liked playing with playdoh as a kid, you'll enjoy shaping the orecchietti.
prep time
2 Hr
cook time
5 Min
method
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yield
6
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup potato flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 - egg
- 2 tablespoons fragrant olive oil
- 1/2 + cup water, as needed
- - variations: use all all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
How To Make homemade orecchietti
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Step 1Mix flours and salt in a large, round bottomed bowl big enough to knead the dough.
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Step 2Form a well in the center of the flour and add the egg and oil.
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Step 3Use a spoon to mix the egg and oil into the flour. The mixture will be very crumbly.
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Step 4Add the water one tablespoon at a time, mixing between each addition with your hand. Keep adding spoonfuls of water until the dough forms a rough ball.
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Step 5Knead the ball for a couple minutes. If the ball doesn't want to stay together, add another spoonful of water and knead together thoroughly.
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Step 6Wrap the ball of dough tightly in plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes. This will allow the flours to hydrate.
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Step 7Pinch off a small bit of dough and squeeze in your hand to make a rough ball. Put the ball in a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon and use your thumb to press the dough into a little cup. Pull your thumb and the pasta will come off the spoon easily. (See the picture.) If the big blob of dough starts to dry out, mist it with water. You will make about 250 orechietti.
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Step 8Set rim-side-up on parchment paper to dry for about two hours. Turn over and let dry another two hours. If not using the same day, store loosely packed in a rigid container (not a bag) in the freezer.
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Step 9To cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orecchietti and cook for 2 minutes. Test and continue boiling until a pleasant texture is reached. Serve hot tossed in olive oil or sauce.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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Category:
Pasta Sides
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