Pumpkin Seed Pasta

Ingredients and Weight:

• Pumpkin Seeds: 1 cup (200g)
• All-Purpose Flour: 500g
• Eggs: 3 large
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 5 tablespoons
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Water: As needed (approx. 1-2 cups)
• Fresh herbs of your choice (e.g., basil, oregano): 2 tablespoons, chopped

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting time)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty; requires precise measurements and steps)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Grind the pumpkin seeds in a blender or food processor until they form a smooth paste.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin seed paste, flour, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add water gradually to form a smooth dough. The dough should be slightly sticky.
4. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thin sheet. Cut into desired shapes using a pasta machine or knife.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta for about 5-7 minutes or until tender.
7. Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
8. Season with your choice of sauce and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on sauce and additional ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 10-15g (including saturated fat)
• Fiber: 5-7g

Dish Characteristics:

• Unique flavor combination of pumpkin seeds and traditional pasta.
• Rich in nutrients, especially if using fresh ingredients.
• Can be customized with various sauces and toppings to suit different tastes.

User Comments:

1. "The flavor of pumpkin seeds was a unique and pleasant surprise in this pasta dish."
2. "The pasta was tender and the sauce complimented the pumpkin seed flavor perfectly."
3. "I was impressed with how easily available the ingredients were in my local supermarket."
4. "Great dish for those who enjoy trying new flavors and combinations."
5. "I would definitely make this again for a special dinner party."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds for best results. If using salted seeds, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
• The dough can be quite sticky, so handle it carefully and use plenty of flour to prevent sticking.
• This dish pairs well with various sauces, from tomato-based to creamy options, so feel free to experiment with different flavors.