Tips & Tricks

The following tips will help you to make perfect pasta every time:

1. Using a food processor to make the dough will cut down on the amount of kneading required.

2. If the dough gets too sticky, use a little flour to dust the pasta sheets and the rollers of the pasta machine.

3. If you're making filled pasta, like Ravioli for example, then use the dough straight away, as allowing it to dry may prevent it from sticking properly when you're tyring to seal it.

4. When letting the dough 'rest' before kneading it, make sure to cover the bowl with a damp cloth, or wrap the dough tightly in clingfilm so it doesn't dry out.

5. Making coloured pasta is easy, simply add puréed tomato or spinach to the dough for red or green pasta. You can also make black pasta by adding squid ink.

6. When boiling the water to cook your pasta, add the salt after the water starts boiling - salty water boils at a higher temperature, and therefore takes longer.

7. There is no need to add oil to the pan when cooking your pasta. Stirring occasionally will prevent it from sticking. The addition of oil will prevent the sauce from sticking to the pasta properly.

8. Don't cook your pasta for more than 3 minutes. Overcooking will ruin your pasta! It should be soft, but firm. Once cooked, eat it straight away with your preferred sauce, it should not be allowed to cool.