Homemade oriental noodles are a hearty addition to any soup or stir-fry dish. Udon noodles are some of the easiest oriental noodles to make, and when prepared in a traditional style, are made by an unusual method. Mixing up these noodles can be a family event.
Instructions
1. Mix the salt and water in a bowl. Place the flour in another large bowl and add the salted water. Reserve a small amount of the water for later use.
2. Mix the flour and water by hand until the flour begins to stick to itself. Add the remaining water and continue to mix until the salt water has completely soaked into the flour. The dough should appear rough and powdery, like uncooked rice. If needed, add a small amount of flour to keep the dough from becoming sticky.
3. Scoop the dough into the center of the bowl and make a hill. Use your palm to flatten the hill into a disk shape. Be careful not to crack the dough.
4. Place the dough in a gallon-size plastic storage bag. Remove all of the air from the bag and seal. Place the bag on the floor.
5. Make a T shape with your feet and slowly step onto the dough from the outer edge, making your way inward.
6. Flatten the dough until it fills the entire area of the plastic storage bag.
7. Let the dough rest for at least 1 hour during warmer months and for 2 hours during the colder months.
8. Remove the dough from the bag by cutting away the side with kitchen shears and opening the top enclosure.
9. Place the dough onto a flat surface and fold the dough in half. Knead the dough 3 or 4 times until it forms a round ball. Place the dough back into a gallon-size plastic bag. Remove all of the air.
10. Return the plastic bag to the floor, and step on it again until the dough fills the inside area of the plastic bag. Allow the dough to rest for at least 1 to 2 hours or over night.
11. Place the dough onto a floured work surface. Roll the dough out with a floured rolling pin until it is 1/2-inch thick. Form the dough into a rectangle while flattening.
12. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 1/2-inch strips. Drop the udon noodles into boiling water to cook. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Tags: Place dough, dough from, dough into, area plastic, dough onto, dough rest
