Using Semolina flour in pizza and other uses? (bread, meal, Italian)

[momtothree]

I have a huge bag of semolina flour that I normally use to bake our favorite bread, Three Cheese Semolina.

I was looking up other uses for semolina and saw it can be used for pizza dough. Anyone know what's the difference from using regular flour to semolina in pizza crust? Will it make it crisper, chewier, fluffier or more dense etc? Do you use Semolina flour for anything else?

[rainroosty]

You can use it to make pasta.

[AngelWingDesigns]

I use it to make pasta, on the bottom of my pizza and Italian bread. Gives a beautiful crust, and wonderful taste.

[momtothree]

Originally Posted by AngelWingDesigns

I use it to make pasta, on the bottom of my pizza and Italian bread. Gives a beautiful crust, and wonderful taste.

Bottom? You mean you sprinkle it on the pan before putting a regular flour pizza dough/bread dough on it? I usually use fine cornmeal. You use semolina flour in place of cornmeal?

[momtothree]

Originally Posted by rainroosty

You can use it to make pasta.

I have always wanted to make pasta. I never had the nerve to do it. Maybe I will attempt it this weekend. Do you have a suggestion for the "easiest" one that doesn't require a pasta machine?

[rainroosty]

Originally Posted by momtothree

I have always wanted to make pasta. I never had the nerve to do it. Maybe I will attempt it this weekend. Do you have a suggestion for the "easiest" one that doesn't require a pasta machine?

I always just go to the market and buy me a couple of 1 pound boxes, like Alma's or Ronzoni or Mueller's. .....

I've always wanted to make it at home, too! It's supposed to be very easy! I guess I just need to clear some counter space and maybe buy a rolling pin...or use a bottle or something to roll it out.
Now you've got me thinking about it again.

I know that if you make your own you just let it dry and then you can store it for a very long time, to use later.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by momtothree

I have always wanted to make pasta. I never had the nerve to do it. Maybe I will attempt it this weekend. Do you have a suggestion for the "easiest" one that doesn't require a pasta machine?

Just make flat noodles - roll out the dough, place it on a kitchen towel on a flat surface, and let it dry until it feels a little leathery. If you don't dry the pasta a little, it will stick to itself when you're cutting it.

Then roll it up again - like you're making a pinwheel, and use a sharp knife to cut the noodles in whatever width you choose. Unroll the noodles, and hang the noodles over a kitchen towel draped over the back of a chair to dry up a bit and ... voila!

Here you can watch someone's Nonna cutting pasta by hand:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMszF-W9-3Q

[momtothree]

Thank you! Will attempt it this weekend. Going to try the semolina pizza crust tonight.

[AngelWingDesigns]

Originally Posted by momtothree

Bottom? You mean you sprinkle it on the pan before putting a regular flour pizza dough/bread dough on it? I usually use fine cornmeal. You use semolina flour in place of cornmeal?

Yes, family use to own Italian bakery Use on the bottom of pan of pizza and roll bottom in it, same for bread.