Wolfgangs Fresh Pasta Recipes

CHEESY SPäTZLE WITH MUSHROOMS AND PEAS

Steps:

• Spätzle: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 4 egg yolks and 4 whole eggs, along with a pinch of salt. Mix on medium-high until combined, 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and add nutmeg to the eggs, then flour. Start mixing on slow, then on medium-high until combined, 20 seconds. Check the consistency and add water to thin, a tablespoon at a time; continue mixing until the dough is smooth and thick. Switch to a whisk attachment, then turn to high to continue to smooth out the lumps while creating viscosity in the dough, 1 more minute. When you're done, the dough should be the consistency of thick pancake batter.
• Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Set aside. To the boiling water, add a large pinch salt and a tablespoon of grapeseed oil. Set the spätzle-maker on top of the pot and add two ladles of batter; push the batter through into the water. Once the water begins boiling again, stir the spätzle a few times to prevent clumping and to finish cooking, 1 more minute. When the spätzle is floating on the water and fluffy, remove to the ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cool (about a minute), use a spider strainer to remove from the ice bath. Place in a bowl and stir in a ½ tablespoon oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. Repeat with remaining batter. (At this point, you can freeze the fully cooked spätzle in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using. Makes about 3 cups.)
• Assemble dish: Heat a medium skillet over high heat. Add ½ tablespoon oil. Mince the shallot and add to the pan. Trim mushroom stems, slice mushrooms in half and add to the shallots, followed by peas, a pinch of salt, a few grinds of pepper, and another pinch of nutmeg. Stir and saute 30 seconds. Add lemon juice, water, crème fraîche, and 2 cups spätzle. Bring to a simmer so the water evaporates and the crème fraîche coats the spätzle and vegetables, 30 seconds. Add cheese; stir to melt and incorporate into the dish, 1 minute more. Meanwhile, finely chop the chives and add to the dish. Stir or toss to combine. Taste to adjust seasoning, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

WOLFGANG'S FRESH PASTA RECIPE

Steps:

• 1) In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour, egg yolks, salt, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of the water. Process and pinch the dough to test it. If it's too dry, add up to 1 more tablespoon of water and process until it forms a moist ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand into a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2) To roll out the dough using a past roller, cut the dough into four equal pieces. Keep the other pieces covered in plastic while you roll out one piece at a time. Set the rollers at the widest setting. Flatter first piece of dough... roll through, tightening setting as you go... (for more details, search homemade pasta).