As someone who loves cooking and did not grow up with many modern conveniences, cooking from scratch is the norm. For years, I’ve admired the art of fresh pasta and noodles but never took the plunge to try making them myself. Then a few days ago, with no noodles in the house, my daughter kept asking me for the food that she has been bingeing on lately. After repeatedly telling her there is no pasta, she said, "I guess I will starve. Do you not love me?" At that moment, I caved in and asked Google to be a friend; "How to make noodles from scratch?" After years of sticking to the dried stuff, I finally embarked on making fresh noodles and let me tell you—it's been a total game changer.
The Allure of Fresh Noodles
The texture and the chewiness of homemade noodles is unrivaled. It's the way they soak up sauces and broths. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a noodle that was made just minutes before hitting your plate. Fresh noodles have a softness and a springiness that dried noodles just can't replicate.
Getting Started: My First Attempt
As an avid baker, making fresh noodles wasn't intimidating. It requires combining basic ingredients to form a dough at the right consistency.
Ingredients
250 mg/ml of flour
110 mg/ml of water
pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients. Learn to feel the dough, to know when it was too dry or too sticky. I learned to knead it until it was smooth and elastic.
Let it rest for 10-30 minutes and even up to 1 hour so that it could be easily stretched or rolled out.
I used a pizza cutter to cut the strips and I was well on my way.
The Game Changer: Why Fresh Noodles are Worth It
Here’s why making fresh noodles is a game changer for anyone who loves cooking:
Flavor and Texture: Fresh noodles have a depth of flavor that dried noodles lack. They’re chewy, and tender all at once, providing the perfect foundation for any sauce or broth.
Versatility: Once you master the basic noodle dough, the possibilities are endless. You can make thick, chewy udon and move into pasta with just the addition of eggs.
Control Over Ingredients: Making noodles from scratch gives you control over what goes into them. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just trying to cut out preservatives, homemade noodles allow you to tailor them to your dietary needs.
Satisfaction: There’s something deeply satisfying about taking the time to make something from scratch, especially something as comforting as noodles. It’s an almost meditative process.
Tips for Beginners
If you're thinking about diving into the world of fresh noodles, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Start Simple: Begin with a basic noodle recipe like hand-pulled noodles or egg noodles. These require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them perfect for beginners.
2. Invest in a Good Rolling Pin: If you’re making pasta or other rolled noodles, a quality rolling pin is essential. It will help you achieve a consistent thickness, which is key to even cooking.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting your dough rest after kneading is crucial. It relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to work with and resulting in a better texture in the final product.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: Your first few batches might not be perfect, and that’s okay! Like anything in cooking, making fresh noodles takes practice. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.
Bringing Fresh Noodles into Your Routine
I will keep working on mastering the art of fresh noodles, since it will be a staple in my kitchen. If you’ve been on the fence about trying to make your own noodles, I encourage you to take the plunge. Once you taste that first bite of springy, tender noodles, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making them sooner.
Trust me, it’s a game changer.
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