Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure your workspace is clean and you have a large mixing bowl or a clean countertop available for kneading the dough.
2. Create a mound with the flour on your countertop or in the mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the mound, ensuring the sides of the flour are high enough to contain the eggs and other ingredients.
3. Crack the 3 large eggs into the well you created in the flour. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the well as well. The olive oil will help to enrich the dough and make it more pliable.
4. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs, incorporating the flour from the inner edges of the well. Continue to mix until the dough starts to come together. If you’re using a bowl, you can also use your hands to mix the ingredients.
5. Once the mixture has formed a rough dough, begin kneading it. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on the dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You should be able to stretch it without it tearing.
6. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap or cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
7. Once the dough has rested, divide it into four equal portions. Keep the portions you are not currently using covered to prevent them from drying out.
8. Take one portion of dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For traditional noodles, aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If you have a pasta machine, you can use it to achieve an even thickness.
9. After rolling out the dough, dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into your preferred noodle shape—fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even lasagna sheets.
10. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining portions of dough. Once all the noodles are cut, you can either cook them immediately or dust them with flour and lay them flat on a floured surface or a clean kitchen towel to dry slightly.
11. To cook the noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fresh noodles and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender but still firm to the bite (al dente).
12. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process if desired. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and they are ready to serve with your favorite sauce or toppings.
13. Enjoy your homemade noodles as a delightful addition to any Italian meal, sharing the love and tradition of your great grandmother's recipe!