Go Back
5 from 2 votes
Freshly made Orecchiette Pasta is drying on a floured wooden board. This unique semolina pasta is small, round, and slightly domed with an indented center, resembling tears and making it great for capturing the various toppings and condiments.
Orecchiette Pasta Recipe
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

Master authentic Orecchiette Pasta in unique small ear shape with explosion of flavors and textures, highly versatile and luscious.

Servings: 4 servings
Author: Gemma Stafford
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Divide your Semolina Pasta Dough into quarters and work with one portion at a time, leaving the rest covered to keep it from drying out.

  2. On a clean, un-floured work surface, roll the dough into a rope about ⅓-inch (1 cm) thick. Cut the rope into ⅓-inch (1 cm) sized pieces.

  3. Method one: hold a sturdy knife (like one for eating with) at a 45° angle and drag it over a piece of dough towards you until the dough curls around the blade. Pull off the dough and press the concave inside out with your index finger.

  4. Method two: Press your lightly floured thumb firmly into the center of a piece of dough while simultaneously slightly rotating your thumb and pushing it away from you. Press the concave inside out.

  5. Whichever method you choose, transfer each piece to a baking tray dusted with semolina to let dry as you continue to shape the rest of the dough.

  6. Allow the dough to dry in a single layer on the baking tray for several hours to dry before cooking or transferring to an airtight container to be stored at room temperature for up to 8 weeks. (See my note above on ‘How to Dry Pasta Correctly at Home’)

  7. When ready to cook, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender and fully cooked through, about 6-10 minutes. Cook time depends on thickness and shape so check for doneness before removing from the pot.