Recipe: Homemade Basic Fresh Egg Pasta (Mario Batali recipe)

BASIC FRESH EGG PASTA

"Do not skip the kneading or resting portion of this recipe, they are essential for a light pasta."

FOR 1 POUND OF PASTA:
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided use
4 extra-large eggs
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Herbs, seasonings or flavorings (as desired)

Make a mound of the flour in the center of a large wooden cutting board. Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the eggs, oil and any other flavoring you may choose.

Using a fork, beat together the eggs, oil and flavorings and begin to incorporate the flour starting with the inner rim of the well. As you expand the well, keep pushing the flour up to retain the well shape. Do not worry that this initial phase looks messy. The dough will come together when 1/2 of the flour is incorporated.

Start kneading the dough with both hands, using the palms of your hands primarily. Once you have a cohesive mass, remove the dough from the board and scrape up any left over crusty bits.

Lightly flour the board and continue kneading for 3 more minutes. The dough should be elastic and a little sticky. Continue to knead for another 3 minutes, remembering to dust your board when necessary.

Wrap the dough in plastic and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Roll and cut or shape as desired. Cook in boiling salted water.

Makes 1 pound of pasta
Source: Molto Mario with Mario Batali, TV Food Network (Show # MB-5699, December 13, 1996)