Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Measure the Flour: In a mixing bowl, measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour. If you’re using salt, add it to the flour at this stage.
- Boil the Water: Bring water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan. Measure out 3/4 cup of boiling water.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add Water to Flour: Carefully pour the boiling water into the bowl with the flour. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixture immediately. It will start to form a shaggy dough.
- Incorporate the Flour: Continue stirring until the dough is too cool to handle. It should come together into a sticky mass.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough is cool enough to handle, turn it out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Add Oil (Optional): If you want a richer dough, you can knead in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil during this stage.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
- Cover the Dough: Once kneaded, form the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
- Prepare the Surface: After resting, dust your work surface with a little flour. Divide the dough into smaller portions if desired.
- Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness, depending on what you plan to make (thinner for dumplings or noodles, thicker for bread).
- Cut as Needed: Use a knife or pasta cutter to cut the rolled dough into your desired shapes—squares for dumplings, strips for noodles, etc.
Cooking Suggestions
- For Dumplings: Fill with your choice of filling (meat, vegetables, cheese) and steam or boil until cooked through.
- For Noodles: Boil in salted water for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
- For Bread: Shape into a loaf or rolls, let rise for about 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Conclusion
Using flour and boiling water creates a unique dough that is versatile and easy to work with. This technique is often used in Asian cuisines for making dumplings or noodles and yields a wonderfully chewy texture. Enjoy experimenting with this basic dough recipe, and feel free to add your own twist by incorporating herbs, spices, or other flavorings!