Penne, a classic Italian pasta shape, is loved by many for its tube-like structure and angled ends, which make it perfect for chunky sauces and hearty dishes. While store-bought penne is easily available, there’s something special about handmade penne – the texture, the taste, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. In this article, we will delve into the world of handmade pasta, focusing on how to make penne from scratch, exploring the history of this beloved pasta shape, and providing tips and tricks for achieving perfection.
Introduction to Handmade Pasta
Before we dive into the specifics of making handmade penne, it’s essential to understand the basics of handmade pasta. Handmade pasta has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, with each region boasting its unique shapes, flavors, and techniques. At its core, handmade pasta is about simplicity, using just a few high-quality ingredients – flour, eggs, and sometimes water – to create a product that is both nourishing and delicious. The process of making handmade pasta is meditative, requiring patience, skill, and a bit of practice to get it just right.
The History of Penne
Penne, originating from the Campania region in Southern Italy, has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. The name “penne” comes from the Italian word for “quill” or “feather,” reflecting the pasta’s distinctive shape, which resembles a pen nib. Traditionally, penne was made by hand, with skilled artisans shaping the dough into its characteristic form. Over time, penne has become a staple in Italian cuisine, enjoyed not only in Italy but worldwide for its versatility and flavorful pairing possibilities.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The quality of your handmade penne is greatly dependent on the ingredients you choose. For a classic recipe, you will need:
– High-quality “00” flour, known for its fine texture and low protein content, which makes it ideal for creating a smooth, pliable dough.
– Fresh eggs, providing moisture, richness, and helping to bind the dough together.
– Salt, added to enhance flavor and help strengthen the gluten in the flour.
– Water, used sparingly to achieve the right consistency, though it’s not always necessary, especially if using large, fresh eggs.
The Process of Making Handmade Penne
Making handmade penne is a labor of love, involving several steps from mixing the dough to shaping the pasta. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Mixing the Dough
To start, create a mound of flour on a clean surface, making a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt. Using a fork, gently incorporate the flour into the eggs, starting from the inner rim of the well. As you mix, be careful not to break the walls of the well, which could cause the eggs to spill out. Continue until the dough starts to form, then switch to using your hands. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly shiny. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little water, but do so sparingly.
Kneading and Resting the Dough
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the flour, which gives pasta its chewy texture. After the initial mix, knead the dough for an additional 10 minutes, until it reaches the desired consistency. Once kneaded, form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Rolling Out the Dough
After the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out. Use a pasta machine or a rolling pin to achieve the desired thinness. If using a pasta machine, start at the thickest setting and gradually decrease the thickness as you roll. Aim for a thickness of about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) for penne. If using a rolling pin, roll the dough to the same thickness, taking care to keep the dough even and not too thin in some areas.
Tips for Rolling Out
- Always dust the dough and the rolling surface with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- If the dough tears, don’t worry. Simply piece it back together and continue rolling.
- Keep the rolled-out sheets of pasta covered with plastic wrap or a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
Shaping the Penne
Shaping the penne is perhaps the most fun and challenging part of making handmade penne. You’ll need a penne cutter or a sharp knife and a bit of patience. Cut the rolled-out pasta into long, thin strips, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 4 inches (10 cm) long. Then, use the penne cutter to cut the strips into the characteristic penne shape. If you don’t have a penne cutter, you can use a sharp knife to cut the strips at an angle, creating the penne’s distinctive ends.
Drying and Cooking Your Handmade Penne
Drying the Pasta
After shaping, it’s essential to dry the penne to remove excess moisture. Lay the penne out in a single layer on a clean towel or pasta drying rack. Let it air dry for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the pasta from sticking together when cooked.
Cooking the Penne
To cook your handmade penne, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the penne to the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your penne. Drain the penne and serve with your favorite sauce.
Conclusion
Making handmade penne is a rewarding process that connects us with the traditions of Italian cuisine. With practice, patience, and the right ingredients, you can create delicious, authentic penne in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned pasta maker or a beginner, the journey of crafting handmade penne is as enjoyable as the final product. So, roll up your sleeves, get ready to knead, and discover the joy of handmade pasta.
In the world of handmade pasta, there’s always room to experiment and innovate, whether it’s through different ingredients, shapes, or cooking methods. As you embark on your handmade penne journey, remember that perfection is not the goal; it’s about the process, the love you put into each piece of pasta, and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with family and friends. With this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a master pasta maker, capable of crafting delicious, handmade penne that will impress and delight everyone who tastes it.
What ingredients are required to make handmade penne?
To make handmade penne, you will need a few basic ingredients, including “00” flour, eggs, salt, and water. The “00” flour, also known as caputo flour, is a fine, powdery flour that is ideal for making pasta because it produces a smooth, pliable dough. You will also need a pasta machine or a sharp knife to shape the penne, as well as a clean surface for kneading and a wooden or plastic board for shaping.
The quality of the ingredients you use will have a significant impact on the final texture and flavor of your handmade penne. Using fresh, high-quality eggs and genuine “00” flour will help to create a delicate, tender pasta with a rich, eggy flavor. It’s also important to use the right amount of salt, as this will help to bring out the flavors in the pasta and give it a more authentic Italian taste. With these simple ingredients and a bit of practice, you can create delicious, handmade penne that rivals that found in top Italian restaurants.
How do I mix and knead the dough for handmade penne?
To mix and knead the dough for handmade penne, you will need to combine the flour, eggs, salt, and water in a large mixing bowl. Start by creating a well in the center of the flour and cracking in the eggs, then gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, using a fork to mix the ingredients together. As the dough begins to come together, add the salt and water, and continue to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Kneading the dough is a crucial step in making handmade penne, as it helps to develop the gluten in the pasta, giving it a firm, chewy texture. To knead, use the heel of your hand to push down on the dough, then fold it back up and repeat the process. As you knead, you can also use a bit of flour to dust the surface and prevent the dough from sticking. After kneading, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape the pasta.
How do I roll out the dough for handmade penne?
To roll out the dough for handmade penne, you will need to use a pasta machine or a sharp knife to create thin, uniform sheets of pasta. If using a pasta machine, start by setting the machine to its thickest setting and feeding the dough through the rollers. Gradually decrease the thickness of the rollers as you roll out the dough, until you reach the desired thickness. If using a knife, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/16 inch, using a bit of flour to dust the surface and prevent the dough from sticking.
As you roll out the dough, it’s essential to maintain a consistent thickness, as this will help to ensure that the penne cooks evenly and has a uniform texture. If using a pasta machine, you can use the built-in gauge to measure the thickness of the dough, or you can use a ruler to check the thickness. If the dough becomes too thin or too thick, you can adjust the rollers or use a bit of flour to dust the surface and prevent it from sticking. With a bit of practice, you can create perfectly rolled-out dough that is ready to be shaped into delicious handmade penne.
How do I shape the penne for handmade pasta?
To shape the penne for handmade pasta, you will need to use a penne cutter or a sharp knife to cut the rolled-out dough into the characteristic tube shapes. If using a penne cutter, simply feed the dough through the cutter, using a bit of flour to dust the surface and prevent the dough from sticking. If using a knife, cut the dough into long, thin strips, then use a bit of pressure to shape the strips into the tube shapes. As you shape the penne, make sure to press the edges together firmly to seal the tubes and prevent them from coming apart during cooking.
Shaping the penne is a bit of an art, and it may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it. To create perfectly shaped penne, use a bit of pressure to shape the dough into the tube shapes, and make sure to press the edges together firmly to seal the tubes. You can also use a bit of flour to dust the surface and prevent the dough from sticking, making it easier to shape the penne. With a bit of patience and practice, you can create beautifully shaped handmade penne that is sure to impress your friends and family.
How do I dry and store handmade penne?
To dry and store handmade penne, you will need to lay the shaped pasta out on a clean surface, such as a wooden or plastic board, and let it air dry for at least 30 minutes. This will help to remove excess moisture from the pasta and prevent it from becoming sticky or developing off-flavors. Once the pasta is dry, you can store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic bag, for up to 2 days.
When storing handmade penne, it’s essential to keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, as these can cause the pasta to become sticky or develop off-flavors. You can also freeze the pasta for up to 6 months, simply by laying it out on a baking sheet and placing it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the pasta to an airtight container or plastic bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it. With proper storage, your handmade penne will remain fresh and delicious for weeks to come.
How do I cook handmade penne?
To cook handmade penne, you will need to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then gently add the pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta for 2-4 minutes, or until it is al dente, then remove it from the water with a slotted spoon and drain off any excess water. You can serve the handmade penne with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto, or carbonara, and top it with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for added flavor and texture.
When cooking handmade penne, it’s essential to cook it until it is al dente, or firm to the bite, as this will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the pasta. You can check the pasta for doneness by biting into it, or by using a fork to test its texture. If the pasta is still hard or crunchy, it may need to be cooked for a bit longer, while if it is soft or mushy, it may be overcooked. With a bit of practice, you can cook your handmade penne to perfection and enjoy it with your favorite sauces and toppings.
Can I make variations of handmade penne using different ingredients?
Yes, you can make variations of handmade penne using different ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, spinach, or herbs. To make whole wheat penne, simply substitute whole wheat flour for the “00” flour, and adjust the amount of water accordingly. To make spinach penne, add a bit of cooked, pureed spinach to the dough, along with some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of nutmeg. You can also add other ingredients, such as dried tomatoes, garlic, or basil, to create unique and delicious variations on the classic penne recipe.
When making variations of handmade penne, it’s essential to adjust the ingredients and cooking times accordingly, as different ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of the pasta. For example, whole wheat flour can make the pasta slightly denser and nuttier, while spinach can add a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can create a wide variety of delicious handmade penne recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian cuisine or enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and flavors, making handmade penne is a fun and rewarding experience that is sure to become a favorite hobby.