Cavatelli Gavadeel Pasta Shells Recipes

Steps:

• Mix semolina flour and salt in a large bowl or on a marble work surface. Make a well in the center.
• Pour water into the well a little at a time, mixing it with the flour. Add as much water as needed to make a sticky but compact dough.
• Knead dough with your hands by flattening the ball, stretching it, and folding the top towards the center. Turn 45 degrees and repeat until dough is elastic and smooth, but not too soft, about 10 minutes.
• Shape dough into a ball. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. If you are using the cavatelli within a few hours or the following day, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
• Work with one portion of the dough at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered to keep it from drying out. Dust a work surface with semolina flour; roll out the dough to make a rope, about 1/3 inch thick.
• Cut off little 1/3-inch-thick pieces. Press and gently drag the small piece of dough towards you with your index and middle finger. The two sides will curl inwards, leaving hollow spaces.
• Proceed the same way with the rest of the dough. Transfer cavatelli to a floured surface and sprinkle with more semolina flour. Do not overlap cavatelli or they will stick together. Let dry for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in mixing bowl- mix for about 4 minutes until well combined and smooth. Cover dough in a bowl and let rest for about 30 minutes. Flour 2 baking sheets. Cut dough into 8 pieces and work with one piece at a time. Roll the piece of dough into a 1/2 inch rope and then cut the rope into 1/2 inch piece. Using small knife with dull blade and rounded tip, press index finger against the side of the blade and flatten each piece of dough, pressing and dragging it so that each piece curls around the knife to form a shell. If not using the cavatelli within an hour or so, place cookie sheets with rolled pasta in the freezer. Freezes well.

Steps:

• Stir together the two flours and 1 tsp of salt in a bowl. Gradually add enough water to form a stiff dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth, about 2 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a bowl. Let rest for 30 minutes.
• Lightly dust 2-3 large cookie sheets with flour.
• Cut the dough into 8 pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keep the remainder covered.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/2 inch thick rope. Cut the rope into 1/2 inch pieces.
• Using a small knife with a dull blade and rounded tip, press your index finger against the side of the blade and flatten each piece of dough, pressing and dragging slightly so that the dough curls around the tip of the knife to form a shell shape.
• Spread the cavatelli on a prepared cooke sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
• If you are not using the pasta within an hour, place the pans in the freezer. When the pieces are firm, scoop them into a freezer safe plastic bag. freeze until ready to use. Do not thaw before cooking, put them straight into boiling water.
• To cook the cavatelli bring at least 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the cavatelli and salt to taste. Cook stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet still slightly chewy.
• Meanwhile heat your favorite Sunday Gravy or Marinara sauce.
• Drain the cavatelli, add the sauce and serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan.