How to Make Pasta with a KitchenAid Pasta Roller: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Perfection
This article provides a comprehensive guide on using the KitchenAid pasta roller attachment. Making pasta with this tool allows for precise control over thickness and texture, enabling you to create authentic and delicious homemade pasta from scratch, faster and more consistently than rolling by hand.
Why Use a KitchenAid Pasta Roller?
The KitchenAid stand mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance, and the pasta roller attachment adds another layer of functionality. Making pasta from scratch can seem daunting, but the KitchenAid pasta roller simplifies the process significantly.
- Consistency: Achieves uniform pasta thickness, ensuring even cooking.
- Efficiency: Speeds up the rolling process compared to manual methods.
- Variety: Allows for making different types of pasta, from lasagna sheets to fettuccine.
- Control: Provides precise adjustment of pasta thickness.
- Ease of Use: The motor of the KitchenAid mixer does the work, minimizing physical effort.
The Pasta Dough: Your Foundation for Success
A good pasta dough is the key to great pasta. A simple recipe typically involves just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) 00 flour (or all-purpose flour, but 00 is preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Instructions:
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
- Create a well in the center and add the eggs.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add water if too dry.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Setting Up Your KitchenAid and Pasta Roller
Proper setup is crucial for a smooth pasta-making experience.
- Attachment: Attach the pasta roller to the power hub of your KitchenAid stand mixer. Secure it tightly.
- Speed: Start with the mixer speed on “2”. This allows for controlled rolling without straining the motor.
- Surface: Ensure you have a clean, lightly floured surface to work on.
- Workspace: Keep your workspace organized with enough room for rolled pasta sheets.
Rolling Out the Pasta Dough: Step-by-Step
The rolling process involves gradually thinning the dough.
- Divide the Dough: Cut the rested dough into four equal pieces. Keep the other pieces covered to prevent drying.
- Flatten and Shape: Flatten one piece of dough into a rectangle.
- Initial Pass: Set the pasta roller to its widest setting (usually “1”). Pass the dough through the roller.
- Fold and Repeat: Fold the dough in thirds and pass it through the roller again. Repeat this 4-5 times. This strengthens the gluten.
- Thinning Process: Reduce the roller setting by one number (e.g., from “1” to “2”). Pass the dough through the roller. Repeat this process, gradually decreasing the setting, until you reach your desired thickness.
- Repeat for Remaining Dough: Repeat the rolling process with the remaining pieces of dough.
Cutting the Pasta: From Sheets to Strands
Once the pasta sheets are rolled, you can cut them into various shapes.
- Cutting Attachments: KitchenAid offers cutting attachments for different pasta shapes (e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti).
- Using the Cutters: Attach the desired cutter to the KitchenAid mixer, replacing the roller attachment.
- Feeding the Sheets: Feed the rolled pasta sheets through the cutter to create your desired pasta shape.
- Manual Cutting: Alternatively, you can cut pasta by hand using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Roll the pasta sheet loosely and cut into desired widths.
Drying and Storing Your Homemade Pasta
Proper drying and storage preserve the quality of your pasta.
- Drying: Hang the cut pasta on a drying rack or lay it flat on a lightly floured surface. Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes.
- Storage: Store dried pasta in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Freezing: Fresh pasta can also be frozen. Arrange the pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced pasta makers can encounter challenges.
- Dough Too Dry: Add a small amount of water to the dough, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Dough Too Wet: Add a small amount of flour to the dough until it becomes less sticky.
- Dough Tears: This indicates that the gluten hasn’t developed enough. Knead the dough longer or let it rest for a longer period.
- Pasta Sticks: Ensure your pasta sheets and cutting attachments are lightly floured to prevent sticking.
- Uneven Thickness: Pass the dough through each setting multiple times to ensure uniform thickness.
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sticky Dough | Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. |
| Dry, Crumbly Dough | Add water, one teaspoon at a time. |
| Tearing | Knead longer or rest dough longer. |
| Sticking | Flour the dough and attachments generously. |
H4 What is the best type of flour to use for homemade pasta?
The best flour for homemade pasta is 00 flour, which is finely ground and has a lower protein content, resulting in a smoother and more delicate pasta. While all-purpose flour can be used, the texture will be slightly different.
H4 How long should I knead the pasta dough?
Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is generally sufficient. The goal is to develop the gluten, creating a smooth and elastic dough. Over-kneading can make the pasta tough.
H4 Why is resting the dough important?
Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and preventing it from snapping back. A resting period of at least 30 minutes is recommended.
H4 What KitchenAid mixer speed should I use for rolling pasta?
A speed of “2” is typically ideal for rolling pasta. This provides sufficient power without overworking the mixer or the dough.
H4 How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the roller or cutter?
The key is to use enough flour. Lightly flour the pasta sheets and the cutting attachments before each pass. Semolina flour is also excellent for dusting to prevent sticking.
H4 What thickness setting should I use for different types of pasta?
The ideal thickness setting depends on the type of pasta you are making. For lasagna, a setting of 2-3 is usually sufficient. For thinner pasta like angel hair, a setting of 6-7 may be preferable. Experiment to find your preferred thickness.
H4 Can I freeze homemade pasta?
Yes, homemade pasta freezes very well. Lay the cut pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer it to a freezer bag or container. It can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. Freezing is best for longer storage.
H4 How long does homemade pasta take to cook?
Fresh homemade pasta typically cooks much faster than dried store-bought pasta. It usually takes only 2-4 minutes in boiling salted water.
H4 What is the best way to dry homemade pasta?
The best way to dry pasta is to hang it on a pasta drying rack. Alternatively, you can lay it flat on a lightly floured surface. Drying prevents the pasta from sticking together and helps it retain its shape during cooking.
H4 Can I add flavorings to my pasta dough?
Yes, you can absolutely add flavorings. Common additions include herbs (like basil or oregano), spices (like red pepper flakes), or even vegetables (like spinach or roasted red peppers). Add these ingredients during the kneading process.
H4 How do I clean the KitchenAid pasta roller and cutter attachments?
Never immerse the pasta roller or cutter attachments in water. Use a dry brush or cloth to remove any dough residue.
H4 Is it worth buying the KitchenAid pasta roller attachments?
For those who enjoy making pasta regularly, the KitchenAid pasta roller and cutter attachments are definitely worth the investment. They greatly simplify the process and allow for consistent, high-quality results.