Spaetzle Recipe: A Delicious And Comforting German Noodle Dish

Cheetahshop

September 21, 2023

Introduction

If you're looking for a comforting and filling meal, you can't go wrong with spaetzle. This traditional German dish is made with a simple dough of flour, eggs, and milk, which is then boiled and served with various toppings, such as cheese, butter, onions, or meat. Spaetzle is a staple of German cuisine and is often served as a side dish or a main course. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a potluck. In this article, we'll give you a detailed recipe for spaetzle, along with some tips and variations. Let's get started!

Ingredients

To make spaetzle, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 3 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional) - 1/4 cup butter - 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional) - 1/2 cup fried onions (optional) - 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage (optional) These are the basic ingredients for spaetzle, but you can adjust the amounts and add other ingredients to suit your taste.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). 2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until smooth. 3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. 4. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes. 5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 6. Meanwhile, prepare a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes. 7. Place a portion of the dough on the spaetzle maker or colander, and press it through the holes directly into the boiling water. 8. Cook the spaetzle for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. 9. Use a slotted spoon or a spider to transfer the spaetzle to a colander or a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, working in batches. 10. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. 11. Add the cooked spaetzle to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the butter. 12. If using, add the grated cheese, fried onions, or cooked bacon/sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. 13. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through. 14. Serve the spaetzle hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Nutrition

The nutritional value of spaetzle depends on the ingredients and the toppings you use. Here's a rough estimate of the calories and nutrients in a serving of plain spaetzle (1 cup cooked): - Calories: 200 - Carbohydrates: 35g - Protein: 7g - Fat: 3g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 400mg If you add cheese, onions, or meat to your spaetzle, the calorie and fat content will increase. However, spaetzle is still a relatively healthy dish, as it's low in saturated fat and high in complex carbs and protein. You can also make a lighter version of spaetzle by using whole wheat flour, skim milk, and less butter.

Tips and Variations

- If you don't have a spaetzle maker or a colander, you can use a large-holed grater or a slotted spoon to shape the dough into small dumplings. - To make gluten-free spaetzle, use a gluten-free flour blend or a combination of rice flour and potato starch. - For a savory twist, add chopped herbs or spices to the dough, such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or paprika. - You can also serve spaetzle with gravy, tomato sauce, or sautéed mushrooms. - If you're vegetarian, skip the bacon or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the spaetzle. - Spaetzle can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply steam or boil them for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Spaetzle is a versatile and delicious noodle dish that is easy to make and customize. Whether you serve it as a side or a main course, spaetzle is sure to please your taste buds and fill your stomach. We hope this recipe and guide have inspired you to try making spaetzle at home and experiment with different toppings and variations. Enjoy!