Making Pasta In A Parmesan Cheese Wheel

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the exciting process of making pasta in a Parmesan cheese wheel, a unique culinary experience that combines homemade pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce. This method creates a creamy, flavorful dish that is visually stunning and delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Pasta

To start, you'll need to make your own pasta. Follow these steps:

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 2 eggs
   • 4 egg yolks

2. Mix the Dough:

   • On a clean surface, form a mound with the flour and create a well in the center.
   • Add the eggs and yolks into the well.
   • Gradually mix the flour into the eggs using a fork until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

4. Roll Out the Pasta:

   • Divide the dough into smaller sections.
   • Use a pasta machine or a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
   • Cut the rolled dough into your preferred pasta shape (e.g., fettuccine or tagliatelle).

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Next, create a delicious garlic cream sauce to complement your pasta.

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 1/2 cup butter
   • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
   • 2 cups heavy cream
   • Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)

2. Cook the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux.

3. Add Cream:

   • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream.
   • Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
   • Add grated Parmesan cheese until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Wheel

This step involves preparing the Parmesan cheese wheel for cooking.

1. Acquire a Parmesan Cheese Wheel:

   • Ensure you have a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, ideally an 80-pound wheel for the full experience.

2. Create the Bowl:

   • Carefully open the cheese wheel by cutting a circular opening on top.
   • Scoop out some cheese to create a bowl-like cavity for your pasta.

3. Heat the Cheese Wheel:

   • Light the inside of the cheese wheel on fire (safely and in a controlled manner) to melt the cheese and create a sauce-like texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it's time to combine your freshly made pasta with the cheese sauce.

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and reserve some pasta water.

2. Mix with Sauce:

   • Add the drained pasta into the melted cheese wheel.
   • Pour the garlic cream sauce over the pasta.
   • Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made pasta in a Parmesan cheese wheel. This dish not only showcases your culinary skills but also provides a delightful dining experience. Consider trying different sauces or adding vegetables or proteins to customize your dish. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!