Cavaletti with Meat Sauce

Step 1

To Make Pasta Dough: In a large mixing bowl,combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and remaining ingredients. Using a mixer,beat at low speed for 2 minutes,occasionally scrapping the bowl.

Step 2

Using a wooden spoon,stir in remaining all-purpose flour to make a soft dough. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic(about 10 minutes). Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.

Step 3

To Make Meat sauce: In Dutch oven over medium heat,in hot olive oil,cook ground beef,onion and garlic until meat is browned. Spoon off excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in tomatoes,their liquid and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer tomato-meat mixture for 35 minutes,stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Prepare meat sauce and dough;cut dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into 15-inch rope.

Step 6

Cut ropes into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) pieces. Press each piece in center;draw finger toward you to flatten slightly and curl ends.

Step 7

Place Cavatelli in single layer on floured,cloth towels. Dry 2 hours before cooking.

Step 8

In saucepan,heat boiling water,salt and oil. Add cavatelli and cook until tender but firm(for about 10 minutes).

Step 9

Drain well and arrange on heated platter. Spoon heated meat sauce over cooked cavatelli. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.