Chef Anne's All-Purpose Pasta Dough with Squid Ink

1. 1

   Mound the flour on a clean, dry work surface.

2. 2

   Make a hole (this is also called a well) in the center of the flour pile that is about 8 inches wide (bigger is definitely is better here).

3. 3

   Crack the eggs into the hole and add the olive oil, squid ink and some salt.

4. 4

   Using a fork, beat the eggs together with the olive oil, squid ink and salt; then begin to incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, being careful not to break the sides of the well or else the egg mixture will run all over your board and you will have a big mess!

5. 5

   Also, don't worry about the lumps.

6. 6

   When enough flour has been incorporated into the egg mixture that it will not run all over the place, begin to use your hands to really get everything well combined.

7. 7

   If the mixture is tight and dry, wet your hands and begin kneading with wet hands.

8. 8

   When the mixture has really come together into a homogeneous mixture, THEN you can start kneading.

9. 9

   When kneading, it is VERY important to put your body weight into it; get on top of the dough to really stretch it and not to tear the dough.

10. 10

    Using the heels of your palms, roll the dough to create a very smooooooth, supple dough.

11. 11

    When done, the dough should look VERY smooth and feel almost velvety.

12. 12

    Kneading will usually take from 8 to 10 minutes for an experienced kneader, or 10 to 15 minutes for an inexperienced kneader.

13. 13

    Put your body weight into it; you need to knead!

14. 14

    This is where the perfect, toothsome texture of your pasta is formed.

15. 15

    Get in there and have fun!

16. 16

    When the pasta has been kneaded to the perfect consistency, wrap it in plastic and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

17. 17

    If using immediately, do not refrigerate.

18. 18

    Roll and cut the pasta into the desired shape.

19. 19

    How smooth and supple!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.