Best Duffs Pasta Dough Recipes

CHEF ANNE'S ALL-PURPOSE PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Put the flour on a clean dry work surface. Make a hole (this is also called a well) in the center of the flour pile that is about 8 inches wide (bigger is definitely better here). Crack all of the eggs and the yolk into the hole and add the olive oil, salt and water.
• Using a fork beat the eggs together with the olive oil, water and salt. Using the fork, begin to incorporate the flour into the egg mixture; be careful not to break the sides of the well or the egg mixture will run all over your board and you will have a big mess! Also, dont worry about the lumps. When enough flour has been incorporated into the egg mixture that it will not run all over the place when the sides of the well are broken, begin to use your hands to really get everything well combined. If the mixture is tight and dry, wet your hands and begin kneading with wet hands. When the mixture has really come together to a homogeneous mixture, THEN you can start kneading.
• When kneading it is VERY important to put your body weight into it, get on top of the dough to really stretch it and not to tear the dough. Using the heels of your palms, roll the dough to create a very smooooooth, supple dough. When done the dough should look VERY smooth and feel almost velvety. Kneading will usually take from 8 to 10 minutes for an experienced kneader and 10 to 15 for an inexperienced kneader. Put your body weight into it, you need to knead! This is where the perfect, toothsome texture of your pasta is formed. Get in there and have fun!
• When the pasta has been kneaded to the perfect consistency, wrap it in plastic and let rest for at least 1 hour. If using immediately do not refrigerate.
• Roll and cut the pasta into desired shape.
• How smooth and supple!

PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and mix. Form a well in the center of the flour mixture. Place the eggs, extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon water in the well. Mix the egg mixture with a fork and slowly incorporate the flour until it becomes a ball of dough. The dough should be tacky, but not wet. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for 1 hour. Roll out the dough into thin sheets using a pasta machine. Cut the pasta into desired shapes or cut into sheets for ravioli.

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN EGG PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Place flour on a marble or wooden work surface. Make a well in the center and crack in eggs; add salt. Gently beat eggs using a fork, incorporating the surrounding flour, until mixture is runny. Pull remaining flour into the center using a bench scraper, incorporating it until dough forms a ball.
• Knead dough with your hands by flattening the ball, stretching it, and folding the top towards the center. Turn 45 degrees and repeat until dough is soft and smooth, about 10 minutes.
• Shape dough into a ball. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Roll out the dough with a pasta machine or with a rolling pin and cut into your favorite pasta.

EASY HOMEMADE PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Beat flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt together in a bowl. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to flour mixture until a smooth and very thick dough forms.
• Turn dough out onto a work surface and knead for 10 minutes. Let dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Divide dough into 8 balls and use a pasta machine to roll and cut dough into desired pasta shape.

DUFF'S BEST BREAD ON EARTH BREAD

Steps:

• Combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Add the water to the center of the bowl and mix on low speed to combine. Raise the speed to medium and knead until the dough pulls away from the bowl in a smooth, clean mass, about 10 minutes.
• ​Lightly flour your workspace, turn the dough out of the bowl and lightly knead for about a minute, then shape into a ball. Lightly oil the inside of a large bowl, add the dough and rub oil over the top. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then put in a warm spot, such as the top of the fridge, until it's more than doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• ​When the dough is almost ready, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F with a rack in the middle position. Stack two matching baking sheets and place in the oven. Or, if you have a baking stone, use that instead.
• Turn the dough out of the bowl, punch it down and flatten it until it's about 2 1/2 inches thick. Shape the dough into a boule (round loaf). Lightly flour the top, cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise for another 25 minutes.
• ​Remove the plastic wrap and score the top of the loaf. Open the oven door all the way and use a baking peel or the floured underside of a baking sheet to slide the loaf onto the hot stacked baking sheets or baking stone, working gently but quickly so as not to deflate the dough. Bake for about 10 minutes, then open the oven door and carefully throw a few handfuls of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam. Close the door quickly and continue to bake until well browned, 12 to 15 minutes more.
• Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and bake until the loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let cool completely, at least 1 hour. That lets the crumb set. Listen to the loaf crackle as it cools-that's a good sound. Serve at room temperature.

DUFF'S MEAT SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, season with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the ground beef, season with another pinch of salt and pepper flakes (if using) and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, season with salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly reduced, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add the basil and oregano and simmer a few minutes more to infuse their flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve with fresh pappardelle or your favorite pasta.