Parpadelle Decorated with Leaves

I've bragged about making colourful pasta recently, today the more interesting variety I've been making: pasta decorated with leaves. It's absolutely gorgeous - both visually and flavour-wise! Might seem a bit on a time-consuming side, but I guess if I've got time to make my own pasta, adding a few bits (or a sparkle, if you like) to it is not too much to ask for.

The ingredients are identical to the plain plain pasta recipe:

200 g plain flour
2 eggs
a pinch of salt

a handful of leaves (basil, oregano, mint, rucola, chervil or parsley)

Mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the pasta until smooth and elastic. Cover with cling film and leave in a fridge for 30 minutes to rest. Roll it as thin as possible - this is when the pasta maker comes handy - I don't honestly think I'd be able to roll it as thin as it does. I roll it through all the setting (from 1 to 9 on mine). Each time you need to get 2 similar sheets of pasta.

Place one on a flour dusted surface, sprinkle it with water, place leaves in long stripes with a bit of space in between them.




 Cover with another sheet, press the sheets together with your hand.



Then, gently put it through the machine (mine was setting 9) or roll them together with a rolling pin.



Then, cut the pasta into long stripes - with a knife or cutter.


Cook for about 3 minutes in salted water.
Serve with a sauce of yoour choice - it will wonderfully compliment it's taste and looks!