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Fresh Pasta

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Fresh PastaChristopher Testani

Because this dough is eggless, it has great al dente texture. If you can't find durum wheat flour, all-purpose will work well, too.

Orecchiette How-To

After making and kneading the dough and lightly flouring your work surface, slice off a few 1/2"-thick planks, then cut lengthwise into 1/2"-wide pieces. Keep remaining dough wrapped in plastic as you work. Roll each piece into a 1/4"-thick rope and cut crosswise into 1/2"-long pieces. Using the sharp edge of a paring knife (or your thumb), simultaneously press down on the middle of each piece of the dough and push it away from you. The dough should curl up on itself. Push each curled piece inside out, molding it over the tip of your finger to create the "little ear" shape. Transfer pasta to a rimmed baking sheet dusted with semolina flour.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings (Makes 12 ounces)

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons fine durum wheat flour or all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
1 cup semolina flour (pasta flour)

Ingredient Info:

Fine durum wheat flour is available at natural foods stores and some specialty foods stores. Semolina flour is available at Italian markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine durum wheat flour and semolina flour in a large bowl. Bring a small saucepan of water to a bare simmer. Add 2/3 cup hot water to flours and mix with a fork until mixture just comes together. Turn out dough onto a surface lightly dusted with durum wheat flour and knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes (alternatively, using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on low speed, about 5 minutes). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; let sit 1 hour at room temperature.

    Step 2

    DO AHEAD: Pasta dough can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly and chill.

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