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#### **Instructions:**
2. **Knead the Dough**: Once combined, knead the dough for about **10 minutes** until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more water; if it’s too sticky, add more flour.
3. **Roll Out the Dough**: Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. If you have a pasta machine, you can use that, but a rolling pin works just fine!
4. **Cut the Pasta**: Once the dough is rolled out, use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into your preferred shape—whether it’s fettuccine, tagliatelle, or just simple square dumplings.
5. **Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pasta in and cook for about **2-3 minutes** or until it floats to the top. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!
6. **Serve**: Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, or a sauce of your choice. Add herbs, cheese, or veggies for a complete dish.
### **Other Creative Variations**
– **Flatbread Pizza**: Roll your dough into a flatbread, top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake it in the oven for a simple homemade pizza.
– **Crackers**: Roll the dough thinly, cut into squares, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for a quick batch of crispy crackers.
– **Roti or Chapati**: Skip the oil and use the dough to make an Indian-style flatbread called roti or chapati. Just roll it out and cook it on a hot griddle.
### **Why These Simple Recipes Work**
The beauty of these recipes is their **simplicity** and **versatility**. They can be easily scaled up or down, and you can experiment with additional spices, herbs, or flavors to make them your own. Best of all, these dishes are an excellent way to stretch your pantry staples when you’re short on time or ingredients.
So next time you’re left with just flour, water, and salt, don’t panic. Get creative with these basic ingredients, and you’ll be amazed at what you can cook up!
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