HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP WITH HOMEMADE NOODLES (FIDEA) — TRADITIONAL FESTIVE CLASSIC
As the holidays approach, nothing beats the elegance and comfort of a rich chicken or beef soup with homemade noodles. Using free-range chicken and fresh pasta noodles takes this traditional dish to another level. This detailed noodle-making guide uses a pasta machine, but manual cutting instructions will follow soon!
🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus drying time)
🍳 Cook Time: varies, noodles cook in 5-10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: Variable
Ingredients for Fidea Noodles
- 500 g all-purpose flour (BL55)
- 5 eggs (preferably farm-fresh for better color and flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat eggs with salt until well combined. Add flour and mix by hand until flour is absorbed. The dough will be crumbly at this stage—do not add extra eggs or water.
- Begin kneading the dough until it forms a ball (about 3-4 minutes).
- Continue kneading: by hand on a clean surface (~15 minutes), with a stand mixer (~5 minutes), or in a bread machine on dough setting. If using a mixer or bread machine, finish by kneading 2-3 minutes by hand; warmth of hands helps texture. The dough will be firm, requiring some effort.
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
- Set up the pasta machine with the roller attachment (or lasagna setting). For best results, have two people: one feeds and guides the dough, the other turns the handle.
- Lightly flatten each dough portion with a rolling pin to form a disc. Dust with flour and pass twice through the widest setting (level 1). Repeat twice at levels 2 and 3. Then gradually reduce thickness, passing once per level, until reaching your desired thinness (levels 4-9 depending on your machine). The final sheet should be thin enough to see fabric texture through it.
- Lay pasta sheets on clean towels or tablecloths to dry. Drying time depends on temperature and humidity: summer 20-30 minutes; winter 1-2 hours. When the top feels slightly dry, flip sheets to dry the other side. Sheets should be pliable but not sticky or too brittle (test with a small piece).
- Attach the noodle cutter (vermicelli or taglierini) to the pasta machine. Place parchment paper at the outlet to catch noodles.
- Feed each sheet through the cutter, spreading noodles gently on parchment to avoid clumping. After a few sheets, transfer noodles to clean towels, loosening them with your hands.
- Manual alternative: Roll sheets and slice thin strips perpendicular to the roll.
- Allow noodles to dry further 1-2 days until crisp. To form nests, shape after 1-2 hours of drying and then continue drying.
- Store dried noodles in paper bags in a cool place up to 6 months. Fresh noodles cook in max 5 minutes; dried noodles take about 10 minutes.
💡 Tips
- Use farm-fresh eggs for richer color and flavor.
- Proper kneading and resting are essential for firm, elastic dough.
- Dry noodles evenly to prevent clumping or breakage.
- Homemade noodles add a wonderful rustic touch to traditional soups or stews.
🎉 Perfect For
- Holiday family meals
- Weekend soups and celebrations
- Gifting homemade pasta to loved ones
📝 Final Thoughts
Homemade fidea noodles elevate classic chicken soup with fresh, tender pasta that cooks quickly and tastes incomparable to store-bought. Whether served at festive gatherings or cozy weekends, this recipe honors tradition and homemade goodness.