Ricotta Cavatelli

Step 1

Simply place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the dough hook, knead for 8-10 minutes on medium speed.

Step 2

The dough should pull away from the sides and the bottom of the bowl. The texture should be soft.

Step 3

Place the flour on a wooden board and shape it in a well. You also use a large bowl.

Step 4

Add the rest of the ingredients in the middle of the well. Beat together and slowly incorporate the flour with a fork. You will obtain a raggy dough.

Step 5

Transfer to a lightly floured wooden board.

Step 6

Knead for about 8-10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a little bit of flour. If, on the other hand, it feels dry, sprinkle a few drops of water over the dough and continue kneading.

Step 7

Wrap the ball of dough in cling wrap.

Step 8

Cover with a tea towel. Leave it on the counter to rest, at room temperature, for about 30 minutes.

Step 9

During this waiting period, line 1-2 rimmed baking sheets with tea towels and sprinkle a little bit of flour over them. This will prevent the cavatelli from sticking together.

Step 10

Cut off a section of our freshly made ball of dough.

Step 11

Using both hands, apply a gentle pressure to stretch it out into a rope shape that is about ½ inch thick.

Step 12

Flatten the rope by applying gentle pressure over the top.

Step 13

Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the rope evenly into ½ inch pieces.

Step 14

Use your fingers or a gnocchi board to shape the pasta. Refer to details in the post.

Step 15

Place cavatelli on large baking sheets that have been dusted with flour. Place in a single layer and not touching one another.

Step 16

Continue until all the dough has been formed into cavatelli.

Step 17

Allow to air dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 18

If using immediately, drop in a large pot of salted boiling water for a few minutes. The cavatelli are done when they float to the top. (Try to shake off as much as the flour as possible before boiling them). Taste to make sure they are cooked to your liking.

Step 19

If freezing, place the tray of cavatelli in the freezer and once frozen, place in a plastic bag in the freezer. They can be cooked frozen. (It should take 6-8 minutes to cook. Once they rise to the top, they should be done. Taste to make sure they are cooked to your liking).

Step 20

Serve with your favorite sauce.