How to Make Noodles From Scratch
This recipe will make enough noodles for five servings.
You'll need:
2 to 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks and 1 whole egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or olive oil
All-purpose flour
In a large bowl stir together 1-3/4 cups of the flour and the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
In a small bowl combine egg yolks and whole egg, the water, and oil. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring to combine.
Sprinkle a clean kneading surface with the remaining flour. Turn dough out onto floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes total).
Tip: To knead dough, fold the dough and then push it with the heel of your hand. Turn the dough and repeat folding and pushing until the dough reaches a smooth and elastic consistency.
Cover the dough and let rest for 10 minutes.
Tip: You can make the dough in advance to this point. Transfer the dough to an airtight container; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then continue with the next step.
Divide the dough into four equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12x9-inch rectangle. (Or pass it through a pasta machine until 1/16 inch thick.)
Dust both sides of the dough portions with additional flour.
Let the dough stand, uncovered, about 20 minutes.
Loosely roll the dough into a spiral.
Cut the spiral crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
Unroll the strips to separate.
Cut the strips into 2- to 3-inch lengths.
At this point you can cook the noodles immediately, or dry and store them (see next steps).
Spread the noodles on a wire cooling rack.
To store in the refrigerator: Let the noodles dry for 2 hours. Place in an airtight container and chill for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Dry the noodles for at least 1 hour; place them in a freezer bag or freezer container and freeze for up to 8 months.
How to Cook Homemade Noodles
You can use homemade noodles whenever hot cooked noodles are called for. Here's how to cook them for serving and for adding to recipes:
Fill a large pot with 3 quarts water. Bring the water to boiling; if desired, add 1 teaspoon salt.
Add noodles a few at a time so the water does not stop boiling. (This also prevents the noodles from sticking together).
Reduce the heat slightly and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (flexible but still slightly firm at the center).
Tip: Be sure to test often for doneness near the end of cooking time -- fresh noodles can go from stiff to perfect to overly soft in a matter of seconds.
Drain the noodles in a colander, giving them a good shake to remove all the water.
