In an Italian household, a rolling pin basically screams fresh pasta: tagliatelle, lasagna, maltagliati, orecchiette, maccheroni, spaghetti alla chitarra … the list goes on and on. Because beyond the shaping techniques you apply with your hands, the rolling pin is essential for transforming a ball of dough into the base of all our favorite recipes.
Types of rolling pins
The rolling pin is one of the most ancient tools in the world of cooking, and despite a thousand innovations, it remains true to itself and its primary use: rolling out dough. It’s a wooden stick that can range in both length and weight. When rolled back and forth, it transforms any type of dough into thin sheets. The simplest rolling pin is made up of a wooden cylinder with two ends, which are usually rounded. However, there are also silicone, plastic and steel rolling pins, which have other functions and uses in the kitchen. In any case, let’s see how a rolling pin is used.
How to roll out dough with a rolling pin
The correct movement for rolling out dough is simple, but you need a lot of practice to be able to make it perfectly thin. First, flour the rolling pin and a wood or marble work surface so nothing sticks. Then start rolling out the dough, gradually turning it clockwise as it becomes thinner and thinner. To roll with proper technique, begin with your hands together in the center of the rolling pin, quickly move them to the ends, then bring them back to the center. When the dough starts to thin out a bit, wrap it gently around the rolling pin, making sure it doesn’t stick, and always add a bit of flour while you work. Always push the rolling pin upwards (never downwards!) from the same side, turning the dough but never changing direction.
Mobile rolling pins
While our grandmothers used to roll out dough with a bit of elbow grease and lots of patience, today we have pins that roll on their own, which are very practical and also very affordable. Just grab the handles and let the cylinder roll. These rolling pins come in large, small and extra small sizes; some even have a top handle, ideal for spreading dough out directly in a pan. The smaller ones are perfect for pizza as they let you roll out the dough right on the tray, allowing you to reach all the corners.
Alternative uses for rolling pins and some special versions
Rolling pins are not only used to roll out dough. In fact, many people also use them to crush foods or to decorate. For example, if you want to make a cheesecake crust or you have to chop nuts but you don’t have a food processor, place the ingredients in a large resealable bag, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin.
There are also rolling pins with raised decorations on the surface, used to embellish shortcrust pastry by applying designs directly to the dough. And did you know there are even kinds that will help you craft beautiful desserts? In some versions, you can adjust the thickness to roll out perfectly even shortcrust pastry; other types cut out strips of dough in the same length and size, perfect for tarts and tagliatelle.
Lastly, there are also special rolling pins for stuffed pasta. All you have to do is make the dough, roll it out evenly, add dollops of filling, and cover it, eliminating any air inside. Then use the special rolling pin to cut out perfectly identical ravioli.