PASTA TIPS
DOUGH CONSISTENCY You know when you're finished kneading the dough
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when the ball of dough has a soft texture. It should feel moist, but not stick to your
fingers.
LET IT REST! When you have your dough ball, set it aside to rest for 15-30
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minutes. While resting, wrap it in cellophane wrap or cover it with a damp towel
(or paper towel) to keep it from drying out. Resting gives the flour time to fully
absorb the water.
WATER If the recipe that you are using calls for water, add it last in portions.
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Depending on egg size and accuracy of flour measurement, you may not need
the entire amount of water in the recipe.
FLOUR & WATER RATIO Don't be afraid to use flour. If after resting, the
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dough feels too damp add a little flour and knead it a little more (don't worry, if
you add too much you can add more water or olive oil to balance it).
FLOUR IS YOUR BEST TOOL Before rolling out the dough or cutting the
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sheets, sprinkle the rollers with flour to keep the dough from sticking. This will
also help the dough separate when you cut the pasta.
Before cutting the dough and between changing the roller settings, dredge the
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dough sheet in some flour. This will also help to cut the dough better.
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