Are you craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this homemade German Egg Noodles recipe! This classic side dish, with its delicate texture and subtly sweet taste, is the perfect accompaniment to hearty roasts, rich stews, or even a simple sausage. Forget the dry, tasteless boxed stuff – making your own egg noodles is easier than you think, and the result is a culinary experience far superior to anything you can buy. This recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea and elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, add if needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt until light and frothy. This step is crucial for creating tender and flavorful noodles.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy; the kneading process develops the gluten, resulting in superior noodle texture.
Step 4: Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and preventing cracking.
Step 5: Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it’s very thin (about 1/16 inch thick). If you have a pasta machine, this step is even easier! Once rolled, lightly dust the dough with flour to prevent sticking. Then, cut the dough into your desired noodle width using a knife or pizza cutter. For classic German egg noodles, aim for about ¼ inch wide.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until al dente. Don't overcook; perfectly cooked egg noodles should have a slight chew to them.
Step 7: Drain and Serve: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Serve immediately with your favorite dish.
Tips for Perfect German Egg Noodles:
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in tough noodles.
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs yield richer, more flavorful noodles.
- Adjust the flour: Depending on the size of your eggs, you may need slightly more or less flour.
- Dust frequently: Dusting the dough with flour prevents sticking while rolling and cutting.
Variations:
- Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the dough for extra flavor.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Make different shapes: Experiment with different cutting techniques to create interesting noodle shapes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 6-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 2-3 grams
This delicious and easy recipe is perfect for adding to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish, and don't hesitate to share your culinary creations with us!