Homemade Tagliatelle

Homemade Tagliatelle Recipe: An Italian Delicacy Made with Love

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love fresh pasta, made with care and attention? Homemade tagliatelle is an excellent choice for a memorable meal, and making it is an experience worth savoring. This simple and quick recipe will transform your kitchen into a true Italian oasis, and the taste of these fresh noodles will be unforgettable.

Ingredients:
- 4 fresh eggs (preferably, for a more intense color and flavor)
- 400 g type 00 flour (or durum wheat flour for better texture)
- A pinch of salt
- A teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into this well, add a pinch of salt and the olive oil. The oil not only enhances flavor but also helps with the dough's elasticity.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Using a fork, start mixing the eggs with the flour, gradually bringing the flour from the edges to the center. Continue until the dough becomes firm enough to be handled by hand.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid tough pasta.

4. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, making rolling out easier.

5. Rolling and cutting: After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the others covered. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough as thin as possible, then cut it into strips about 6-8 mm wide to form tagliatelle.

6. Drying (optional): If you are not using the pasta immediately, you can let it dry on a pasta rack or a clean towel.

7. Boiling: Boil the fresh tagliatelle in salted water for 3-5 minutes. They will cook much faster than dried pasta, so be careful not to overcook them.

Serving suggestions: Homemade tagliatelle is extremely versatile. You can serve it with a rich Bolognese sauce, a creamy carbonara, or for a lighter option, with extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and chopped cherry tomatoes. Add freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations: Experiment with flavors by adding chopped spinach to the dough for green tagliatelle or turmeric for a golden hue. You can also fill them with ricotta and herbs to create delicious ravioli.

This homemade tagliatelle recipe is not only simple but also a great way to connect with Italian culinary tradition. So, put on an apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!