Fresh Lasagna Noodles

Mound flour on a work surface, and make a well in the center. Beat eggs and a pinch of salt in a small bowl, then pour eggs into well. Using a fork, slowly add flour to eggs, incorporating a small amount at a time, switching to hands as dough becomes stiff.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, about 10 minutes. Cover with plastic, and let dough rest on counter for 1 1/2 hours.

Cut dough into 8 pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time and keeping remaining pieces covered, dust dough lightly with flour, and feed through a pasta machine's widest setting (No.1). Fold dough lengthwise into thirds, and rotate 90 degrees. Pass through machine 2 more times.

Turn dial to next-narrower setting. Pass dough through machine twice, gently supporting it with your palms. Continue to roll dough through ever-finer settings, 2 passes each, until sheet is almost translucent (No. 6 on a KitchenAid pasta roller). If dough bubbles or tears, pass it through again, and dust with flour if it sticks. Immediately cut sheet into lasagna noodles: 4-inch squares for individual lasagna or 4-by-13-inch strips for a large pan. Transfer strips to a drying rack for 1 hour. Repeat with remaining dough. (Noodles can be stored, when completely dry and stiff, for up to 1 week.)

Fill a large bowl with cool water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 2 to 3 noodles at a time for 90 seconds. Using a wire-mesh skimmer, transfer noodles to cool water, and swirl a few times. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet until ready to use, placing a piece of parchment or plastic between layers. Use immediately.