Perfect handmade orecchiette 46% hydration with

Perfect handmade orecchiette 46% hydration with is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by @HomeCookin' on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $0.75 total, $0.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted, room temperature)
  • 230 g Water (cold, measured on a kitchen scale)
  • 5 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 10 g Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, optional for a softer dough)

Instructions

  1. Measure and Prepare Dry Ingredients

    Place 500 g of sifted all‑purpose flour into a large mixing bowl and create a well in the center. Sprinkle the 5 g of salt evenly over the flour.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Water Gradually

    Measure 230 g of cold water. Using a fork, slowly drizzle the water into the flour well while gently stirring, incorporating the flour from the edges until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Rest the Dough

    Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This relaxes gluten and makes rolling easier.

    Time: PT30M

  5. Divide and Roll Out

    Unwrap the dough, cut it into 4 equal portions. Working with one piece at a time, flatten it on the pasta board and roll with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 mm (or desired thinness). Dust with flour as needed to avoid sticking.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Cut the Pasta

    Using a sharp knife or pasta cutter, slice the rolled sheet into your preferred shape (e.g., fettuccine, tagliatelle). Toss lightly with flour to keep strands separate.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Cook the Fresh Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (100 °C). Add the fresh pasta and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  8. Serve

    Drain the pasta in a colander, toss with your favorite sauce, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
1g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by omitting olive oil

Allergens: Wheat (gluten)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Perfect handmade orecchiette 46% hydration with

Recipe by @HomeCookin'

Learn how to make authentic Nona style handrolled fresh pasta with a perfect 46% hydration ratio for an ideal al dente texture. This step‑by‑step guide walks you through measuring, mixing, kneading, resting, rolling, and cooking the dough, plus tips for storage, scaling, and troubleshooting.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 22m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$0.75
Total cost
$0.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving the exact 46% hydration (230 g water to 500 g flour).
  • Kneading until the dough passes the windowpane test.
  • Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes.
  • Rolling the dough to the correct thinness without tearing.
  • Cooking the fresh pasta for only 3–4 minutes.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife; cut away from your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of handrolled fresh pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Handrolled fresh pasta has been a staple of Italian home cooking for centuries, originating in the northern regions where wheat was abundant. Families traditionally rolled dough by hand on wooden boards, creating a personal connection to the food and preserving regional shapes and textures.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fresh pasta in Italy?

A

Northern Italy favors egg‑rich pastas like tagliatelle and pappardelle, while central regions often use simple water‑based doughs for orecchiette and trofie. Southern Italy leans toward durum‑wheat semolina doughs for shapes like cavatelli and orecchiette.

cultural
Q

How is Nona style handrolled pasta traditionally served in Italian households?

A

Nona style pasta is typically served simply with a light butter‑sage sauce, fresh tomato sauce, or a drizzle of olive oil and grated cheese, allowing the delicate texture of the fresh dough to shine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fresh handrolled pasta traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Fresh pasta is often prepared for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter, where the act of making pasta together becomes a communal ritual.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Nona style handrolled pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditionally the dough uses only durum‑wheat flour (or all‑purpose flour), water, and a pinch of salt. Substitutes like semolina flour, whole‑wheat flour, or a splash of olive oil can be used to modify texture and flavor without compromising the core technique.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Nona style handrolled fresh pasta?

A

Pair the pasta with classic sauces such as marinara, ragù Bolognese, pesto Genovese, or a simple aglio‑olio. It also works beautifully alongside grilled vegetables or a light arugula salad.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Nona style handrolled fresh pasta?

A

Common errors include using the wrong hydration ratio, over‑kneading or under‑kneading the dough, skipping the resting period, rolling the dough too thick, and overcooking the fresh pasta. Each of these can lead to a tough or gummy final product.

technical
Q

Why does this Nona style pasta recipe use a 46% water‑to‑flour ratio instead of the more common 50%?

A

A 46% hydration yields a firmer dough that holds its shape better during rolling and produces a slightly chewier bite, which is characteristic of Nona’s traditional texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Nona style handrolled fresh pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. After cutting, the pasta can be frozen on a tray and transferred to a freezer bag for up to one month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the dough reaches the perfect Nona style consistency?

A

The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky but not sticky, and pass the windowpane test—thin enough to become translucent without tearing. After rolling, it should be uniformly thin and glossy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the fresh pasta is done cooking?

A

Fresh pasta is done when it floats to the surface and a strand can be bitten and feels tender yet still has a slight bite (al dente). This usually takes 3–4 minutes in boiling salted water.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel @HomeCookin' specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel @HomeCookin' specializes in approachable home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on classic comfort foods, step‑by‑step techniques, and budget‑friendly recipes for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel @HomeCookin's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

The YouTube channel @HomeCookin' emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many Italian channels focus on regional authenticity with specialized tools.

channel
Q

What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel @HomeCookin' known for?

A

The channel @HomeCookin' is known for recipes such as classic Spaghetti Carbonara, Margherita Pizza, Creamy Risotto, and rustic Minestrone Soup, all presented with clear visual instructions.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Open Crumb Sourdough Bread (20% Whole Wheat, High Hydration)
12

Open Crumb Sourdough Bread (20% Whole Wheat, High Hydration)

A detailed, step-by-step recipe for a classic open crumb sourdough bread with 20% whole wheat flour and high hydration, designed for home bakers. This method uses a long autolyse, hand mixing, coil folds, lamination, and a cold overnight proof for maximum flavor and texture.

21 hrs 20 minServes 12$3
American (Artisan Sourdough)
Open Crumb Sourdough Bread (20% Whole Wheat, High Hydration)
9

Open Crumb Sourdough Bread (20% Whole Wheat, High Hydration)

A detailed, step-by-step recipe for a classic open crumb sourdough bread with 20% whole wheat flour and high hydration, designed for home bakers. This method uses a long autolyse, hand mixing, coil folds, lamination, and a cold overnight proof for maximum flavor and texture.

21 hrs 20 minServes 12$3
American (Artisan Sourdough)
High Hydration Roman-Style Pizza Dough with Margherita Topping
11

High Hydration Roman-Style Pizza Dough with Margherita Topping

A step‑by‑step guide to Luigi Schifano's hand‑mixed, high‑hydration Roman‑style pizza dough (80% hydration) and classic Margherita topping. The method uses cold water, a strong flour (W 300‑340), multiple short rests and stretch‑folds, and a cold‑room fermentation to produce a light, airy, and easy‑to‑handle pizza that bakes crisp on the bottom and soft inside.

5 hrs 48 minServes 4$6
Italian
Gluten-Free Pizza Dough (High Hydration)
31

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough (High Hydration)

A high‑hydration, binder‑rich gluten‑free pizza dough that yields a crispy, brown crust with an airy, chewy interior. Using psyllium husk, almond flour, and a touch of baking powder, this dough overcomes the typical dense, cracker‑like texture of gluten‑free pizza and delivers a slice that rivals traditional thin‑crust pizza.

2 hrs 45 minServes 4$5
Italian
The Secrets Behind New York's Best Bagel — Handmade
9

The Secrets Behind New York's Best Bagel — Handmade

A step‑by‑step recreation of the iconic New York bagel as made by a veteran NYC bagel shop. This recipe follows the traditional process of mixing, long refrigeration, boiling, and baking on a stone to achieve a chewy interior, crisp crust, and authentic flavor that only New York water and malt can deliver.

26 hrs 25 minServes 12$33
American
Orecchiette with Ragù Bianco
23

Orecchiette with Ragù Bianco

A quick and easy white ragù made with a classic Italian soffritto, a mix of ground beef and pork, white wine, and broth, finished with pasta directly in the sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$14
Italian