Homemade Egg Noodles

 

Homemade Egg Noodles are a timeless comfort food that warms the heart and delights the senses. Crafted with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and a touch of love, these noodles have a tender texture and a rich, eggy flavor that sets them apart from store-bought varieties. Whether served in a comforting bowl of chicken soup, dressed with a savory sauce, or simply adorned with butter and herbs, these homemade noodles elevate any dish they accompany. Let’s dive into the art of making these delightful egg noodles from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons water, if needed

For Rolling and Cutting:

  • Additional flour for dusting
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and create a well in the center.
  2. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt.
  3. Using a fork or your fingers, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs and salt. Continue until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. If the dough seems dry and crumbly, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be cautious not to add too much water; the dough should be firm but not sticky.

Kneading and Resting:

  1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself and turn it. Repeat this process, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  2. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Rolling and Cutting:

  1. After the resting period, unwrap the dough and place it on a floured surface.
  2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Keep turning and dusting the dough with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  3. Once the dough is rolled out, let it sit for a few minutes to dry slightly. This will make it easier to cut.
  4. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into your desired noodle width. You can make wide pappardelle-style noodles, classic fettuccine, or thin spaghetti-like strands—choose your preference.

Drying or Cooking Immediately:

  1. At this point, you have two options: you can let the noodles air dry for a few hours to use later, or you can cook them immediately.
  2. To air dry, place the cut noodles on a lightly floured surface and let them sit for 2-3 hours or until they are completely dry to the touch. You can then store them in an airtight container for future use.
  3. To cook immediately, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Fresh homemade noodles cook much faster than dried store-bought ones.

Serving:

  1. Serve your Homemade Egg Noodles with your favorite sauce, whether it’s a hearty Bolognese, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple butter and herb dressing. These noodles are also perfect for chicken soup or any soup that calls for noodles.

Variations and Tips

  • Flavored Noodles: Add herbs, spices, or flavored oils to the dough for unique noodle flavors. For instance, you can incorporate chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, into the dough for an herbal twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free egg noodles.
  • Herbed Butter: Toss your cooked noodles with a simple herbed butter sauce made by melting butter and adding minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Storage: Store dried homemade noodles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months. Freshly made noodles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Homemade Egg Noodles are a testament to the joy of creating food from scratch. They embody the essence of comfort and warmth, making any meal feel like a hug for your taste buds. Whether served in soups or as a pasta dish, these homemade noodles are a labor of love that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. So, take the time to craft these noodles with care and share in the delight they bring to your table.