How do you use a pasta machine?

catznine

Please can someone help me? I've just been given a lovely pasta machine for my birthday and I can't wait to play! :j Trouble is the recipe in the instruction booklet calls for 5 eggs!:eek: Does anyone else have one of these machines and is there a more economical recipe I could use? Also how do you get on with the machine? Is it complicated to use?

squeaky

catznine wrote:

Please can someone help me? I've just been given a lovely pasta machine for my birthday and I can't wait to play! :j Trouble is the recipe in the instruction booklet calls for 5 eggs!:eek: Does anyone else have one of these machines and is there a more economical recipe I could use? Also how do you get on with the machine? Is it complicated to use?

There's a thread with some 3 egg recipes, and links to others... Click Here

..but I've no idea how to use a machine

culpepper

I use 2 eggs to 11 and 1/2 oz of bread flour.I use medium eggs and Asda bread flour.If its a bit sticky,add more flour,if dry,add a drop of water till its right.
I find it's much easier if you have a processor to mix the ingredients then pick up the whole lot and feed through the machine . I used to do it with a rolling pin but the machine is miles quicker.

npsmama

Can you please explain how you use a pasta maker?


I have real trouble with mine. Everything sticks together! I have a manual Imperia one. It's supposed to be the real thing from Italy. Passed down from my mum who had it 30+years.

Grateful for any suggestions!

Zed42

I make the dough, let it rest for about an hour, then feed the dough through the pasta machine about 6 times on the widest setting. Ensuring I put a little flour on the dough if it is too sticky.

I then slowly reduce the thickness of the rollers and feed the pasta through time and time again until I get the thickness I want.

HTH.

taurusgb

I just bought a pasta machine from our local charity shop for £3.....box is a bit battered but the machine is still all wrapped up in the inner bubble wrap and plastic bags it came in and looks to be unused, but there is no manual with it. There is no manufacturers name on the box so I can't do an online search.

Of course now I have it I am dying to use it - but my DD1 who has her own, is at work, so could anyone please advise how to clean it, and how to make the pasta dough....I know I duram wheat is what is usually used but I only have SR, plain and strong bread flour in the cupboard.

Thanks for any help

Penelope_Penguin

There's an older thread here with recipe and instructions - fresh pasta.

To be honest, pasta flour is best, but I often use strong bread flour and that's great too.

HTH, Penny. x

taurusgb

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

There's an older thread here with recipe and instructions - fresh pasta.

To be honest, pasta flour is best, but I often use strong bread flour and that's great too.

HTH, Penny. x

Thankk you Penny - very grateful :j

powershopper

I have just lugged home from a local charity shop a PASTA MACHINE !!!
been looking out for one for aaaages, and like the proverbial bus, there were 2 on the shelves of the local PDSA shop! It is all there and quite clean, nothing that I can't cope with, but I have never used one and would appreciate any tips anyone can pass on. Can't wait to get going...............we just luuuuuurve pasta...........

Penelope_Penguin

Hi there! I got mine from Freecycle - brand new, unwanted gift :j

We have an older thread on pasta makers, including a link to a fresh pasta recipes thread. I'll add this question to that. Take a look and if you have more specicfic questions, please ask again.

Penny. x

CleoTheCat_2

My other half tells me that 100g flour to one egg is the best recipe! (roughly enough for 1 person)

He says that you make a well in the middle of the flour, add the egg and mix together with your hands. The mix will seem VERY dry - don't panic, just keep kneading and it will become silky and smooth.

Use a light dusting of flour before you run the pasta through the machine.Start machine on it's widest setting thenrun the pasta through it a couple of times then gradually step the setting down dusting with flour as you go.

Finally, never ever put the machine in hot soapy water. it may need a wee bit of oil from time to time and if you haven't used it for a while,run a wee bit of dough through to clean it first, then throw it away.
If you are using the machine to cut the pasta, let it dry slightly first - it makes it easier to cut.
Phew! hope this helps someone,
~CtC~ (& other half!)