In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of crafting pasta dough from just flour, eggs, olive oil and a pinch of salt. With your hands as your primary tools, you'll knead and shape the dough, transforming it into silky-smooth strands of pasta ready to be cooked to perfection. If you have a pasta machine, this will certainly make the rolling out part much easier—however it is not necessary.
Once your pasta is done it will need to rest in plastic wrap for about 20 minutes. This is when we will prepare the delicious sage butter to coat the chunks of succulent king crab meat.
Once the pasta is cooked, everything gets thrown into the same large pan, gently tossed together and enjoyed!
Homemade Pasta from Scratch with King Crab and Sage Butter
Makes 4 servings
For the Pasta:
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 ½ cup 00 flour (double zero flour)
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sage Butter and King Crab:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 sage leaves (if you have sage flowers use them for garnish)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
A handful of freshly picked king crab, about 8 to 16 ounces; the amount will depend on how much crab you want in your pasta.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Work Surface: Clear a clean work surface, such as a countertop or large cutting board.
2. Make a Well: Pour the two flours onto the prepared work surface and use your fingers or a fork to create a well in the center of the flour mound.
3. Add Eggs, Salt and Olive Oil: Crack the eggs into the well and sprinkle the salt and olive oil over the eggs.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a fork or your fingers, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, starting from the inner edge of the well and working outward. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms. You can also just start mixing too without being too precise. It all works out in the end.
5. Knead the Dough: Once the dough comes together, use your hands to knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a few drops of water.
6. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the dough to become more elastic, making it easier to roll out.
7. Prepare the Sage Butter: When the dough has ten minutes left to rest prepare the sage butter. In a large pan, over medium low heat, melt the butter. The pan should be large enough to hold the pasta once it is cooked. Once the butter melts, add the sage leaves. Let it cook for a moment. Next add the olive oil and the king crab meat. Mix it all together so that it is well coated. Lower the heat and let it cook together very slowly.
8. Now Roll Out the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Dust your work surface with flour and use a rolling pin to roll out one portion of the dough into a thin sheet, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Make sure to keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. If you have a rolling pasta machine, this will make this step much easier. For the pasta machine, simply feed the pieces of dough in between the rollers, starting first at zero working your way to about 7. I like this width for my pasta, which is quite thin.
9. Cut the Pasta: Once the dough is rolled out, use a sharp knife or pasta cutter to cut it into your desired shapes and sizes. You can make traditional shapes like fettuccine or pappardelle.
10. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
11. Serve: Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it into the large pan with the king crab and sage butter. Gently toss the pasta all together and serve it on a decorative plate.
Making homemade pasta is a labor of love that yields incredibly delicious results. Experiment with different shapes, flavors, and sauces to create your own signature pasta dishes. Enjoy!
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