This Gluten-Free Spinach Fettuccine Noodles recipe combines fresh spinach with gluten-free flour to create a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta. These noodles are vibrant, nutrient-dense, and easy to make, perfect for pairing with your favorite sauces or using in a variety of pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp if not)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (packed, washed and chopped)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water, as needed (for consistency)
Instructions:
- Prepare the spinach: Blanch the spinach by placing it in a pot of boiling water for about 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and immediately place it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, squeeze out the excess water and finely chop the spinach.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs (or flax eggs) and olive oil. Add the chopped spinach to the bowl and mix everything together. Use a spoon or your hands to incorporate the ingredients. If the dough feels too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together as a dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Gluten-free doughs are often a bit stickier, so you may need to dust with more flour as you knead.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion out using a rolling pin, dusting with flour as needed. Roll the dough to your desired thickness. If you have a pasta machine, you can use that to roll the dough more evenly.
- Cut the noodles: Using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter, cut the rolled dough into fettuccine-style strips. If the dough sticks together, you can sprinkle a bit more flour between the layers.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the fettuccine noodles into the water and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your noodles. Fresh gluten-free pasta cooks faster than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it.
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse with a little cold water if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or toss with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a simple dish.
Tips:
- Flour blend: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. You can also add a little tapioca starch or cornstarch to help with the texture.
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or use a plant-based egg replacer.
- Storage: If you have leftover dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. You can also freeze the noodles for later use. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer before storing them in a container or bag.
These Gluten-Free Spinach Fettuccine Noodles are a great way to enjoy a gluten-free pasta option while adding extra nutrients from spinach. Pair them with your favorite vegan or gluten-free sauce for a wholesome, delicious meal!