Spaghetti alla Chitarra
Learn how to hand cut spaghetti alla chitarra with this step-by-step tutorial. A chitarra (like a guitar in Italian) is the instrument used to make this authentic Italian long strand noodle that is thick and a bit chewy thanks to a combination of semolina and "00" flour. A fun Sunday supper project for a cookbook or gourmet club!
Servings 4
Equipment
- chitarra pasta cutter ;a pasta tool that uses "guitar-like" strings to cut the dough into long noodles
Ingredients
- 2 ⅓ cups "00" flour I use Antimo Caputo
- ⅔ cup semolina flour I use Bob's Red Mill semolina flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- water as needed
Instructions
Make the dough
- Add the flours and mix on low in a stand mixer By hand /Step 1: (or whisk together in a bowl if making by hand).2 ⅓ cups "00" flour, ⅔ cup semolina flour
- Crack the eggs into the flour and using a paddle attachment, start the mixer on low. By hand/Step 2: pour the flour into a mound onto a board and make a well in the center with the back of a 1 cup measuring cup. Crack the eggs into the well and use a fork to start blending the eggs into the dough, pulling a bit at a time into the flour.2 large eggs , 3 egg yolks
- Speed up the mixer and add a bit of water 1 Tablespoon at a time, as needed to form a ball. Cnce the dough form a ball, turn off the mixer and turn the dough onto a floured board. Knead for about 5 minutes until somewhat smooth.By hand/Step 3: Add water as needed about 1-2 Tablespoons at a time to bring the dough into a bowl. Sprinkle the ball and the board with flour and knead until fairly smooth, about 5 minutes.water as needed
- For both methods, cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
Cut the chitarra:
- After making and resting the dough, cut the dough into quarters. Take one piece and flatten it with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Once it’s approximately 6”w x 9” long, flour it on both sides and place it on the chittara.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough back and forth over the strings of the chitarra pushing down as you go. The noodles will cut and fall into the box below. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.
To cook:
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Once boiled, add a handful of kosher salt or sea salt. Add the pasta in the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes.
