Should homemade egg noodles be left out to dry before cutting and for how long?

Yes, homemade egg noodles should be left out to dry before cutting. This is because the dough needs to be just the right consistency in order to be cut into noodles. If the dough is too wet, the noodles will be sticky and difficult to cut, and they may also clump together when cooked. If the dough is too dry, the noodles will be brittle and break when cut.

The best way to achieve the right consistency is to let the dough rest and dry out for a period of time before cutting. This can be done by simply leaving the dough out on a lightly floured surface at room temperature. The amount of time needed will vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen, but it is usually best to let the dough dry for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Once the dough has dried out, it should be firm to the touch and easy to roll out. It should also be at a consistency where you can easily make an indentation in the dough with your finger without the dough sticking to your finger.

If you are planning to store the homemade egg noodles for later, it is best to let them dry out completely before storing. This will help to prevent the noodles from clumping together and becoming mushy. To dry the noodles completely, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at the lowest temperature your oven will allow for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the noodles are dry and brittle. Once the noodles are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Here are some tips for making homemade egg noodles:

- Use high-quality flour. This will make a big difference in the texture and flavor of the noodles.

- Be sure to add enough salt to the dough. This will help to enhance the flavor of the noodles.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to produce a consistent texture in the noodles.

- Let the dough dry out before cutting. This will make it easier to cut the noodles and prevent them from sticking together.

- Cook the noodles in plenty of boiling water. This will help to prevent them from clumping together.