German Spaetzle Dumplings
Delight in the delightful flavors of these German Spaetzle Dumplings, known affectionately as 'little sparrows.' Originating from the heart of Germany and Switzerland, these tender, golden dumplings are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own with a fresh garden salad and a glass of wine, or paired elegantly with chicken, game, or beef dishes. Simplifying the preparation, a spaetzle mill is highly recommended, though a large-hole colander or a wooden board with a sharp knife works just as well. They are a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and hospitality to any table.
6-8
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
eggs
4 (large, beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
3 grindings (freshly ground)
warm water
1 cup (slightly heated)
salt water
4 quarts (for boiling, salted)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, melted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, and warm water.
2
Using a wooden spoon, vigorously beat the mixture until it forms a thick, smooth batter, which may take about 5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, making it light and fluffy.
3
Cover the bowl with a cloth and allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes.
4
While the dough is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
5
If using a spaetzle mill, fill it with some dough and push it through into the boiling water. Alternatively, balance a large colander over the pot and use a large wooden spoon to push the dough through the holes into the water. For a chewier texture, you may add a little more flour to the dough to stiffen it.
6
If opting for the knife method, transfer the dough to a floured board, and use a sharp knife to cut it into small strips about 1/4 inch wide and 1/2 inch long.
7
Allow the spaetzle to boil for 4 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked.
8
Using a large colander, drain the cooked dumplings and give them a brief rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
9
In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the drained spaetzle and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly golden.
10
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
11
Enjoy these delightful dumplings as a standalone meal or as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite meat dishes.
12
Note: The spaetzle can be prepared in advance up to this point. Simply spread them out on a kitchen towel and cover with a damp cloth to keep them moist until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
19g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Spaetzle Dumplings?
German Spaetzle Dumplings are tender, golden dumplings often affectionately referred to as 'little sparrows.'
Where did Spaetzle originate?
These dumplings originate from the heart of Germany and Switzerland.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients needed for the dough?
The main dough ingredients include sifted all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, and warm water.
How much flour is required for this Spaetzle recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Why do you need to beat the batter vigorously?
Vigorously beating the batter for about 5 minutes incorporates air into the dough, making the dumplings light and fluffy.
Should the Spaetzle dough rest before cooking?
Yes, you should cover the bowl with a cloth and allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes.
What tools can be used to form the Spaetzle?
You can use a specialized spaetzle mill, a large-hole colander, or a wooden board and a sharp knife.
How do you make Spaetzle using the knife method?
Transfer dough to a floured board and use a sharp knife to cut it into small strips about 1/4 inch wide and 1/2 inch long.
How long do the dumplings need to boil?
The dumplings should boil for about 4 minutes.
How do I know when the Spaetzle are done boiling?
The Spaetzle are ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
Why should I rinse the dumplings under cold water?
Rinsing them briefly under cold running water stops the cooking process immediately.
What is the next step after boiling and draining the dumplings?
You should sauté the drained spaetzle in melted butter for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly golden.
Do you bake Spaetzle?
Yes, after sautéing, transfer the dumplings to a 350°F oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Can Spaetzle be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and keep them moist by spreading them on a kitchen towel covered with a damp cloth.
What are some serving suggestions for Spaetzle?
They can be served alone with a salad and wine, or as a side for chicken, game, or beef dishes.
How many calories are in a serving of Spaetzle?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 5 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs, which should be beaten.
What type of water is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of slightly heated warm water.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
You will need 1/4 cup of unsalted, melted butter.
How can I make the Spaetzle texture chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, add a little more flour to the dough to stiffen it.
Is Spaetzle considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and hospitality to the table.
How much black pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests 3 grindings of fresh black pepper.
How much water is needed for the boiling pot?
You should use 4 quarts of salted water for boiling.
What should the oven temperature be?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 7 ingredients listed.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as 'easy cooking' and 'quick recipes' for a homemade meal.