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Step by Step Guide to Making Tuscan Pici Pasta


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  • Author: Erika Elia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Omnivore, Vegetarian

Description

Homemade pici pasta is surprisingly simple. This step-by-step guide shows you how to make this hearty Tuscan favorite from scratch.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 14 oz (397 g) all purpose flour
  • 4 oz (113 g) semolina
  • 7 fl oz (207 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Making the Pici Pasta Dough
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour and create a well in the center.
  3. Gradually pour water into the well, incorporating the flour using circular motions with your fingers or a fork.
  4. Once mostly combined, add olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Knead the mixture in the bowl until a consistent mass is formed.
  6. Continue kneading on a flat surface for about 5 minutes, forming a smooth, round, leaf-like shape.
  7. Cover the dough with a cotton cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes.
  8. Rolling and Shaping the Pici
  9. After resting, flatten the dough gently with your hand, then roll it out to 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
  10. Traditional Method: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pasta into 1/4 inch wide lengths. Roll each strip on your work surface using your palms to create a rounded shape.
  11. Rolling Pin with Grooves Method: If using a grooved rolling pin, press it onto the rolled-out pasta to create grooves. Separate the strips and optionally roll them gently for a more rounded appearance.
  12. Ensure your work surface is well-dusted with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Lightly dust the shaped pici with semolina to prevent sticking.
  13. Cooking the Pici Pasta
  14. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 2 teaspoons of salt.
  15. Carefully add the pici to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are al dente.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use 00 flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
  • To speed up the process, use a pasta machine to roll and shape the pici.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 500
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 70
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 10