Homemade Pasta Recipe [Without A Machine]

 Ingredients:

• 3 cups (15oz/426g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs* (or 5 small eggs)

Instructions:

1. On a large, clean, flat surface, mound the flour.
2. Create a well in the center of the flour and crack all 4 large eggs into it.
3. Gently break the egg yolks with your fingertips, gradually incorporating the flour into the eggs.
4. Continue to mix until all the flour is absorbed. This part may be messy, but it’s worth it! Once the dough begins to form, use your palms to knead it into a smooth, yellow dough. This will take about 5 minutes. Note: If the dough is too dry, add a small splash of water to help bring it together.
5. When the dough forms a ball, cover it tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 18 hours, to allow the dough to rest and the gluten to develop.
6. After resting, remove the dough from the fridge and cut it into 4 equal pieces. Set aside and cover with a towel to prevent drying out.
7. Flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one piece of dough at a time into a large, thin sheet. Aim to get it as thin as possible, almost paper-thin.
8. Once rolled out, fold the dough over itself several times. Cut the folded dough into strips about 1/4 inch thick, depending on the type of pasta you are making. Dust the strips with flour and unravel them to reveal your fresh pasta. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
9. Set the cut pasta aside on a tray. Leave it out at room temperature to dry slightly, or cover and refrigerate to cook later.

To Cook Fresh Pasta:

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, salt the water and add the fresh pasta.
2. Cook the pasta for about 2 minutes or until tender. The pasta is ready when it floats to the top.
3. Strain the pasta and serve as desired.