Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe

This spinach pasta dough recipe is designed for pasta enthusiasts who want to take their pasta-making skills to a new level. An absolutely delicious homemade pasta recipe that utilizes fresh spinach and basic pantry staples to create a vibrant, healthful, and satisfying dish. Making pasta from scratch may seem daunting, but this recipe breaks it down into easy steps that anyone can follow for a rewarding culinary experience.

Photos of Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe

Most ingredients in this recipe are relatively common, like flour, salt, and eggs. One less common ingredient, however, is the fried vegetable powder. This is a dehydrated blend of vegetables that have been fried and then ground into a powder. This ingredient adds a concentrated burst of flavor to the pasta dough. Usually, it can be found in the spice section or healthy food section in the supermarket.

Ingredients for Spinach Pasta Dough

Flour: The base of the pasta dough. It gives structure to the pasta.

Fried vegetable powder: This adds a unique, savory flavor to the pasta dough.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Egg yolks: Gives richness and color to the pasta dough.

One reader, Dena Haas says:

the spinach pasta dough recipe is a game-changer! The addition of fried vegetable powder gives it a unique and delicious flavor. The dough is easy to work with and the end result is a vibrant, green pasta that tastes amazing. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a fun twist on traditional pasta!

Dena Haas

Techniques Required for Making Spinach Pasta Dough

How to make spinach pasta dough: Combine the eggs, flour, salt, and fried vegetable powder in a stand mixer or by hand. Knead the dough until it is smooth, supple, and elastic, then let it rest for 2 hours before using.

How to knead dough: Fold the dough halfway over itself, turning the dough and pressing down with your hands or palm. Continue to knead for 20 to 30 minutes until the dough is smooth, supple, and elastic. If the dough gets too hard, cover with plastic wrap or a bowl and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then continue kneading.

How To Make Spinach Pasta Dough

Add a creative touch to your favorite pasta recipe with this spinach pasta dough. You can make natural colored doughs while keeping a delectable taste.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsflour
½cupfried vegetable powder
1tbspsalt
3egg yolkswhole
3ozegg yolk

Instructions

In a stand mixer with the dough hook, or using the hand method, combine the eggs into the flour, salt, and powders.
Continue to knead and gradually incorporate the wet into the dry.
Fold the dough halfway over itself, turning the dough and pressing down with your hands or palm.
Continue to knead for 20 to 30 minutes until the dough is smooth, supple, and elastic. If the dough gets too hard. Cover with plastic wrap or a bowl and allow to rest for 5 minutes, then continue kneading.
Wrap tightly in plastic and let rest at two hours at room temperature before using it.

Nutrition

Calories: 1834.46kcal
Fat: 37.44g
Saturated Fat: 12.65g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.08g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.04g
Carbohydrates: 302.92g
Fiber: 13.77g
Sugar: 1.72g
Protein: 61.66g
Cholesterol: 1361.12mg
Sodium: 1375.40mg
Calcium: 241.61mg
Potassium: 731.17mg
Iron: 8.69mg
Vitamin A: 709.10µg
Vitamin C: 9.46mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Spinach Pasta Dough

When kneading your spinach pasta dough, it's important to pay attention to its texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic, not sticky or dry. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry and hard to work with, add a bit more water. Remember, the key to a perfect pasta dough is patience and practice. Don't rush the kneading process, as this is what develops the gluten in the flour and gives your pasta its structure and bite.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spinach Pasta Dough

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools before starting to make the spinach pasta dough. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Use a food processor: Instead of mixing the dough by hand, consider using a food processor to quickly combine the ingredients and form the dough. This can save time and effort, especially when working with larger quantities.

Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and roll out, resulting in a smoother and more manageable pasta-making process.

Roll out the dough: Use a pasta machine to roll out the dough into thin, uniform sheets. This will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and has a consistent texture.

Cutting efficiency: Consider using a pasta cutter attachment for your stand mixer or a sharp knife to efficiently cut the pasta into desired shapes. This can save time compared to cutting each piece individually.

Store for later: If not using the dough immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows you to prepare the dough in advance and save time when you're ready to cook the pasta.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe

flour - Substitute with semolina: Semolina flour has a coarser texture and higher protein content, which will give the pasta a firmer texture and help it hold its shape better.
egg yolks - Substitute with flaxseed gel: Flaxseed gel can be used as a vegan alternative to egg yolks, providing a similar binding and moisture-retaining quality to the pasta dough.

How to Beautifully Present Spinach Pasta

Elevate the pasta dough: Roll out the pasta dough thinly and evenly to create delicate and elegant strands of pasta. Ensure the dough is smooth and free of any air bubbles for a professional presentation.
Create a vibrant spinach pasta nest: Form the spinach pasta into a nest shape to showcase the vibrant green color. This will add a visually stunning element to the dish and impress the judges with your attention to detail.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies. This will bring a pop of color and a delicate, floral aroma to the plate.
Incorporate a drizzle of truffle oil: Enhance the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil to add a luxurious aroma and depth of flavor. This will elevate the overall taste and presentation of the spinach pasta.
Serve on a bed of homemade herb-infused ricotta: Present the spinach pasta on a bed of homemade herb-infused ricotta to add a creamy and flavorful element to the dish. The contrast of colors and textures will impress the judges.
Finish with a sprinkle of fried vegetable powder: Sprinkle a delicate amount of fried vegetable powder over the dish to add a subtle crunch and a burst of umami flavor. This will add a unique and sophisticated touch to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Spinach Pasta Dough

Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and kneading food ingredients. It typically consists of a mixing bowl, a set of beaters or a dough hook, and a motorized stand that holds the bowl in place while mixing.
Dough hook: A dough hook is an attachment for a stand mixer or a hand mixer that is specifically designed for kneading and mixing dough for breads, pasta, and other dough-based recipes.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers or covering dishes to keep them fresh and protected from air and moisture.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together, such as for making dough, batters, or salads. It is typically made of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or plastic.
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various food preparation tasks, including chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, and mixing. It consists of a motorized base with a removable bowl and various attachments.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers or covering dishes to keep them fresh and protected from air and moisture.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is a cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for making pasta, pastries, and other baked goods. It is typically made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Knife: A knife is an essential kitchen tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. Different types of knives, such as chef's knives, paring knives, and serrated knives, may be used for various tasks in pasta preparation.
Pasta machine: A pasta machine is a specialized kitchen tool used to roll and cut pasta dough into various shapes and thicknesses, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or lasagna sheets. It typically consists of adjustable rollers and cutting attachments.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure dry and liquid ingredients for pasta dough, ensuring the right proportions and consistency. They come in various sizes and are essential for precise cooking and baking.
Sifter: A sifter, also known as a flour sifter, is a handheld or mechanical tool used to aerate and break up clumps in flour or other dry ingredients before incorporating them into the pasta dough. It helps to achieve a smoother and more uniform texture.
Bench scraper: A bench scraper, also called a dough scraper, is a flat, rectangular tool with a handle used to manipulate and portion dough, as well as to clean work surfaces. It is particularly useful for working with pasta dough and shaping it into desired forms.

Storing and Freezing Spinach Pasta Dough

Once you have finished kneading the spinach pasta dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
If you plan to use the dough within a day or two, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped dough in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the spinach pasta dough. Divide the dough into smaller portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen spinach pasta dough, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
When rolling out the spinach pasta dough, make sure to dust your work surface and the dough with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough feels too sticky, you can knead in a little more flour until it becomes smooth and manageable.
If you have any leftover rolled out pasta, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to dust the pasta with flour to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe

The best way to reheat leftover spinach pasta dough is to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before working with it. This allows the dough to become more pliable and easier to roll out.
If the dough feels too dry, you can sprinkle a little water on it and knead it gently until it becomes more supple. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.
Once the dough has come to room temperature, you can roll it out and cut it into your desired shape. If you're making filled pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, be sure to let the filling cool completely before assembling the pasta.
To cook the reheated spinach pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it floats to the surface and is al dente, about 2-3 minutes for fresh pasta.
If you're not planning to use the leftover spinach pasta dough right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Another option for reheating leftover spinach pasta dough is to freeze it. Roll out the dough and cut it into your desired shape, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the pasta until it's solid, then transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you're ready to use the frozen pasta, simply drop it into boiling water and cook until al dente.

Interesting Fact About Spinach Pasta Dough

The spinach pasta dough recipe is a versatile base for various pasta dishes. It can be used to make delicious ravioli, fettuccine, or lasagna sheets. The addition of fried vegetable powder not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant green color to the dough, making it visually appealing. This homemade pasta dough is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, offering a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. Plus, making your own pasta from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different shapes and sauces to create unique and tasty pasta dishes!

Is Making Spinach Pasta Dough at Home Cost-Effective?

This spinach pasta dough recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it budget-friendly. The use of flour, spinach, and eggs keeps the cost low, and the versatility of the dough allows for various meal options. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and the potential to create delicious and healthy pasta dishes.

Is Spinach Pasta Dough Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spinach pasta dough recipe is relatively healthy, as it incorporates spinach powder, which adds nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The use of eggs provides protein and healthy fats. However, the recipe is quite high in calories due to the flour content, and the salt content may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.

To make the recipe even healthier:

Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber content and reduce simple carbohydrates
Reduce the salt content by half, as the spinach powder will already provide some natural saltiness
Consider adding other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as finely grated carrots or beets, to boost the vegetable content and provide additional vitamins and minerals
Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for the spinach powder, as it contains healthier fats and antioxidants

Editor's Opinion on This Spinach Pasta Recipe

The recipe provided seems to have some unusual ingredients, such as fried vegetable powder, and the instructions are a bit unclear. It's important to ensure that the measurements and ingredients are accurate to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the kneading time of 20-30 minutes seems excessive for a pasta dough. I would recommend using fresh spinach puree for a more natural flavor and vibrant color. Overall, this recipe may benefit from some adjustments to improve the clarity and balance of flavors.

Enhance Your Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Corn: Juicy corn on the cob grilled to perfection and brushed with a sticky honey sriracha glaze for a spicy-sweet kick.

Mushroom Risotto Cakes: Creamy mushroom risotto formed into crispy cakes and pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Similar Recipes to Try Instead of Spinach Pasta Dough

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Combine roasted vegetables with quinoa for a healthy and satisfying salad.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook beef short ribs in a flavorful braising liquid for a tender and delicious meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Create a creamy and tropical chia pudding with fresh mango and coconut milk.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Spinach Pasta Dough

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are perfect for starting off a meal. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more.

Bruschetta: This classic Italian appetizer is a great way to kick off a meal. The fresh ingredients and crunchy bread make for a delightful start to any dining experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a velvety smooth strawberry cheesecake, garnished with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. A decadent and fruity treat that's sure to impress.

Why trust this Spinach Pasta Dough Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted choice for your pasta needs. The combination of spinach and egg yolks creates a flavorful and nutritious dough. The use of fried vegetable powder adds a unique depth of flavor. The careful kneading process ensures a perfect texture for your pasta. Resting the dough allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delightful final product. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable pasta experience.

Have you tried making spinach pasta dough at home? Join our Recipe Sharing forum to discuss your experience with this recipe and get tips from other home cooks.

FAQ:

What is fried vegetable powder and where can I find it?

Fried vegetable powder is a dehydrated and powdered mixture of various vegetables that have been fried and then ground into a fine powder. You can find it in specialty grocery stores or online.

Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Yes, you can use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks. However, using only egg yolks will result in a richer and more tender pasta dough.

How can I tell if the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, supple, and elastic after kneading for 20 to 30 minutes. You can perform the windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough; if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, the dough is ready.

Can I make the pasta dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pasta dough ahead of time. After wrapping it tightly in plastic, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using it.

Can I freeze the pasta dough?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.