Homemade pasta with basil and oregano

Homemade Pasta with Basil and Oregano

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Drying time: 1 hour (or 2-3 days for complete drying)
Total time: 30 minutes + drying
Servings: 4 servings

I present to you a recipe that combines tradition with the fresh taste of natural ingredients: homemade pasta with basil and oregano. This pasta is not just a staple food, but a true culinary experience that will transform any meal into a feast. With a rich flavor and perfect texture, homemade pasta is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a quick dinner or a special gathering with family and friends.

About the recipe

Pasta has a long history, being a symbol of family cooking. It is said that homemade pasta is an art, and once you learn to make it, you will never return to store-bought versions. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like basil and oregano gives it an aromatic flavor that will delight your taste buds.

Necessary ingredients

- 400 g flour 000 (pastry flour)
- 4 medium fresh eggs
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 handful of fresh oregano leaves
- Salt (for boiling)

Preparation method

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the basil and oregano leaves. Make sure the herbs are fresh, as they will add an intense flavor to your pasta. Wash them well and dry them with a paper towel.

2. Making the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the eggs. Use a fork to mix the ingredients initially, then start kneading the dough with your hands. Knead gently until you obtain a non-sticky and not too soft dough ball. It is important to pay attention to the consistency; if the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Incorporating the herbs: Once the dough is formed, add the finely chopped basil and oregano leaves. This is the stage that will give extra flavor to your pasta. Knead the dough again to evenly distribute the herbs.

4. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. This will make it easier for you to work with each piece.

5. Rolling out the pasta: Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and start rolling each piece of dough with a rolling pin. Make it as thin as possible. If you have a pasta machine, you can use it to achieve an even thickness. Don't forget to sprinkle flour on both sides of the sheet to prevent sticking.

6. Rolling and cutting the pasta: Once the dough sheet is thin, carefully roll it up. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into strips of your desired size. I prefer to make pappardelle, which are wider and longer, but you can cut thinner strips if you prefer.

7. Drying the pasta: Unravel each strip of pasta and sprinkle them with flour to prevent sticking. Let them dry for about an hour. If you want to keep them for longer, you can dry them for 2-3 days, spread out on a clean cloth, in the air.

8. Boiling the pasta: When you are ready to cook them, boil water in a large pot adding salt (about 1/2 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). Add the pasta and let them boil for 5-7 minutes until they become "al dente" (slightly firm to the bite).

Serving suggestion

Serve the freshly boiled pasta with a simple tomato sauce or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan. A green salad on the side will perfectly complete the meal. If you enjoy experimenting, you can also add some olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and variations

If you don't have fresh basil and oregano, you can use dried herbs, but the flavors won't be as intense. You can also try adding other herbs like parsley or thyme to customize your pasta. Another interesting variation is to add some color to the dough using beet or spinach juice.

Nutritional information

Homemade pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for an active day. The eggs add necessary proteins, while the fresh herbs provide vitamins and antioxidants. This pasta is a healthy option, especially when served with vegetable-based sauces or lean proteins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I store dried pasta for longer?
Yes, dried pasta can be stored in cloth or paper bags, in a dry place, for several months.

2. How can I tell when the pasta is cooked?
Check the texture: the pasta should be firm but not hard. "Al dente" is the ideal term.

3. Can homemade pasta be frozen?
Sure! You can freeze fresh pasta, making sure it is spread out on a tray to avoid sticking.

4. What sauces pair best with pasta?
Tomato-based sauces, pesto, cream cheese, or sour cream-based sauces pair excellently with this pasta.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Homemade pasta with basil and oregano is an excellent choice, not just for its taste, but also for the beautiful memories you will create around the table. Enjoy your meal!