Roasted Beet Pasta

Ingredients

To prepare roasted beets:

• 1 1/2 pounds beets (2 to 2 1/2-inches around), washed and dried
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons pure olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, toss beets with oil and salt to coat. Place on lined baking sheet and place in 400 degree oven for 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool (about 20 minutes). Peel beets under running water and cut into 1/4-inch dice.

To prepare roasted beet pasta:

• 3 jumbo eggs
• 1 cup roasted beets in cubes (see recipe above), pulse in food processor until smooth
• 4 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

Make a mound of the flour in the center of a large wooden cutting board. Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the eggs, beet puree and any other flavoring you choose. Using a fork, beat together the eggs, oil and flavorings and begin to incorporate the flour starting with the inner rim of the well. As you expand the well, keep pushing the flour up to retain the well shape. Do not worry that this initial phase looks messy. The dough will come together when 1/2 of the flour is incorporated.

Start kneading the dough with both hands, using the palms of your hands primarily. Once you have a cohesive mass, remove the dough from the board and scrape up any left over crusty bits. Lightly flour the board and continue kneading for 3 more minutes. The dough should be elastic and a little sticky. Continue to knead for another 3 minutes, remembering to dust your board when necessary. Wrap the dough in plastic and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. Note: do not skip the kneading or resting portion of this recipe, they are essential for a light pasta. Roll out to four 7-inch by 16-inch sheets.

Yield: 1 pound