Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta Dough
Elevate your pasta-making game with this simple yet delicious Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta Dough. This vegan-friendly recipe creates a wholesome base for your favorite pasta shapes, from fettuccine to ravioli. Whole wheat pastry flour gives the dough a rich flavor and nutritional benefits, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. Customize your dough by incorporating herbs, spinach, or even tomato paste for added flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dough is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat pastry flour
1 (cup)
Salt
1 (pinch)
Olive oil
1 (teaspoon)
Water
1/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour and a pinch of salt. If you're adding any additional flours like kamut or buckwheat, mix them in at this step.
2
Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/4 cup of water.
3
Using a mixer with dough hooks or a food processor, gradually combine the ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
4
Once the dough begins to form, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.
5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out later.
6
After resting, roll out the dough with a rolling pin or pasta machine to your desired thickness, then cut it into your preferred pasta shapes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients for Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta Dough?
The recipe requires 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of water.
Is this whole wheat pasta dough vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses water and olive oil instead of eggs.
Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
Whole wheat pastry flour is recommended for a finer texture, but you can use regular whole wheat flour; however, the dough might be slightly denser.
How long should I knead the pasta dough?
You should knead the dough for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Why does the dough need to rest for 30 minutes?
Resting allows the gluten to relax, which makes the dough much easier to roll out and prevents it from snapping back.
Can I use a food processor to mix the dough?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the dough begins to form before kneading by hand.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually sprinkle a little extra flour onto the surface while kneading until it reaches the desired consistency.
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If the dough is too dry and won't come together, add a tiny amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds.
Can I add other flours to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in other flours like kamut or buckwheat along with the whole wheat pastry flour during the first step.
How do I flavor the pasta dough?
You can customize the dough by incorporating dried herbs, blended spinach, or even tomato paste into the mixture.
What shapes can I make with this dough?
This versatile dough can be used for various shapes including fettuccine, spaghetti, or even as sheets for ravioli and lasagna.
Do I need a pasta machine to roll out the dough?
No, a pasta machine is helpful for even thickness, but you can use a standard rolling pin and some patience to roll it out thin.
How should I store the dough while it rests?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while it rests at room temperature.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil adds a bit of fat for richness and helps make the dough more pliable and easier to work with.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling.
How do I know when the dough is finished kneading?
The dough is ready when it is smooth, no longer sticky, and springs back slightly when poked with a finger.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, using whole wheat flour provides more fiber and nutrients than traditional white flour pasta.
How thin should I roll the pasta?
Roll it as thin as possible, usually until you can almost see the outline of your hand through the sheet of dough.
Can children help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids usually enjoy the process of kneading the dough and cutting it into fun shapes.
Does this dough work for ravioli?
Yes, the dough is elastic enough to be stuffed and sealed for homemade ravioli.
What is the best way to cut the dough without a machine?
You can lightly flour the rolled sheet, roll it up loosely, and use a sharp knife to slice it into ribbons.
Can I freeze this pasta dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough ball wrapped tightly in plastic and a freezer bag, or freeze the cut pasta shapes on a tray before transferring to a bag.
How long does fresh whole wheat pasta take to cook?
Fresh pasta cooks very quickly, usually in 2 to 4 minutes in boiling salted water.
Why is salt added to the flour?
Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the wheat and ensure the finished pasta isn't bland.
Is this dough suitable for lasagna?
Yes, just roll the dough into large rectangles that fit your baking dish.
Can I use this for noodles in soup?
Yes, these whole wheat noodles hold up well in hearty vegetable or bean soups.
What is the difference between whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour?
Pastry flour is milled from soft wheat, resulting in a lower protein content and a finer, lighter texture ideal for delicate pasta.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, use the dough hook attachment on low speed to combine and knead the dough.
Should the water be warm or cold?
Room temperature or lukewarm water works best to help the flour hydrate evenly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Using 1 cup of flour typically produces enough pasta for 1 to 2 people as a main course.