Directions
Delicious Tagliatelle with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes
Tagliatelle with squid and cherry tomatoes is a delightful dish that perfectly blends the freshness of the sea with the tradition of homemade pasta. This stunning first course is ideal for special occasions, such as a leisurely Sunday dinner when you can take your time to prepare a delicious meal. Fresh pasta is the star of this recipe, and its combination with squid and cherry tomatoes creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will please any palate.
Essential Ingredients for Preparation
To prepare tagliatelle with squid and cherry tomatoes, you will need a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 500 g of durum wheat flour
- 5 fresh eggs
- 500 g of squid
- 250 g of cherry tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (to taste)
- Capers (optional)
Making Fresh Pasta
Let’s begin by creating the fresh pasta.
1. Preparing the Dough
Place the flour on a flat surface, creating a well in the center to crack the eggs into. Using a fork, mix the eggs, gradually incorporating the surrounding flour. As the dough starts to come together, knead it with your hands until you achieve a smooth and elastic consistency. This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
2. Resting the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the gluten to relax, making the pasta easier to roll out.
3. Rolling Out the Pasta
After resting, divide the dough into three portions. Roll out one portion at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent them from drying out. Use a pasta machine, starting at the widest setting and gradually reducing the thickness until you achieve thin sheets. Cut the rolled sheets into strips of about 1 cm to form the tagliatelle.
4. Forming the Tagliatelle
To make the strips easier to handle, you can roll the sheets up and then cut them into thin strips. Finally, shape the tagliatelle into nests and let them dry on a floured cloth.
Preparing the Sauce: Squid and Cherry Tomatoes
While the pasta is resting, let’s focus on making the sauce.
1. Cleaning the Squid
Ensure the squid is well-cleaned. Remove the mantle and cut it into strips, while cutting the tentacles into small pieces.
2. Preparing the Cherry Tomatoes
Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters. These will add freshness and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
3. Cooking the Squid
In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and add a crushed garlic clove. Once the garlic is lightly golden, add the squid. Cook for about 4-5 minutes over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Remove the garlic when the squid has taken on some color.
4. Adding the Cherry Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and, if desired, a few capers. Cook everything together for another 5-6 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Cooking the Fresh Tagliatelle and Assembling the Dish
1. Cooking the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fresh tagliatelle for 3-4 minutes. Since fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, it’s best to taste it to achieve your desired texture.
2. Assembling the Dish
Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Mix in a ladleful of the reserved cooking water and stir well to combine the flavors.
3. Final Touch
Before serving, add a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dish’s flavor. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Serving and Enjoying
Tagliatelle with squid and cherry tomatoes is ready to be served! Enjoy it hot, perhaps paired with a chilled white wine. Each forkful will take you on a journey of flavors and colors, celebrating the freshness of the sea and the art of fresh pasta. This dish not only makes for an excellent family meal but also impresses guests during special occasions.
Conclusion
In summary, tagliatelle with squid and cherry tomatoes embodies Italian culinary tradition alongside the freshness of top-quality ingredients. With careful preparation and the use of selected raw materials, you can create a truly memorable first course. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this delectable recipe and delight your loved ones!
