Homemade Spaghetti

Here’s a detailed recipe for homemade spaghetti:

Homemade Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Making the pasta:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
   • Crack the eggs into the well, add the salt and olive oil.
   • Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough starts to form.
   • Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Roll and cut the pasta:
   • After the dough has rested, divide it into four pieces.
   • Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out each piece of dough into thin sheets.
   • Cut the sheets into spaghetti strands using a pasta cutter or a sharp knife.
   • Dust the strands with a little flour to prevent sticking.

Making the sauce:

1. Sauté the vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes.
   • Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer the sauce:
   • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the pasta:

1. Boil the pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the fresh spaghetti and cook for 2-3 minutes, until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and reserve some of the cooking water.
2. Combine pasta and sauce:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce.
   • Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Serving:

1. Garnish and serve:
   • Stir in the fresh basil.
   • Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti!