Mix the flour and water in a large mixing bowl: Start with 1/2 cup of water and start mixing with a spoon, spatula, or chopstick. If after a minute, you notice that the flour has not completely formed a dough, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and continue mixing / kneading until a soft dough forms. Aim to keep the dough on the drier side than too wet.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until very smooth: You can do this in the bowl if it’s large enough or on a clean work surface. The dough should not stick to your hands or the work surface, if it does, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough isn’t sticky. When it’s nice and smooth, pat it into a ball.

Rest the dough for at least 15 minutes: Wrap the dough in either plastic wrap or place it in a bowl covered with a damp towel so the dough does not dry out. Resting allows the gluten in the dough to relax and makes it easier for you to roll out.

Roll the dough: Sprinkle a little bit of flour on a clean work surface. Take half of the dough (return the other half to the covered bowl or re-wrap in plastic) and start rolling it flat and thin with a rolling pin. Sprinkle and spread flour on each side of the dough if it starts to stick. When the dough is rolled thin enough – we like ours about 1/8? thick (3 mm) – sprinkle both sides of the dough liberally with flour. Now gently fold the dough into layers for cutting. You can fold in thirds (like a letter) or if your dough is very long then you can layer into an “S” shape by rolling the dough onto your rolling pin and then unroll it back and forth into continuous “S” shapes.

Cut the noodles: Using a sharp knife (or a dough scraper for kids), cut your layered dough to your desired size keeping in mind that the noodles will double in size when cooked. Again, we like ours about 1/8? (3 mm) thin. Sprinkle the cut noodles with flour and gently jiggle and shake them about so that they unfold into long beautiful strands.

Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to boil and then add the noodles. Lower heat to simmer and swirl the noodles around with a heat-proof utensil. Cook noodles about 3 minutes and give it a taste to see if the noodles are soft and ready. If not, simmer for another minute and taste-test again. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to rid any excess flour and so that they don’t stick together.