Savory Bacon and Onion Spaetzle Delight
This delectable dish pairs hearty spaetzle with crispy smoked bacon and sweet caramelized onions for an irresistible comfort food experience. Inspired by traditional Alpine recipes, this version is elevated with the inclusion of rich spices and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, it's not only filling but also offers the opportunity to customize with cheese such as Raclette or Gruyere for an even creamier taste. Let's tantalize your taste buds with this delightful creation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
milk
1 cup (none)
smoked bacon
1/4 lb (diced)
yellow onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh parsley leaves
for garnish (chopped)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground nutmeg, whisking until evenly mixed.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs and milk until well blended. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
3
While the batter rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the batter through into the boiling water. Cook the spaetzle for about 1 minute, or until they float to the surface. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the spaetzle to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, heat a medium flame and cook the diced smoked bacon until it turns golden brown and crispy, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes more.
5
In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked spaetzle and sauté until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Combine the sautéed spaetzle with the bacon and onion mixture in the skillet. Stir to mix everything thoroughly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon and Onion Spaetzle Delight?
It is a hearty comfort food dish featuring homemade spaetzle combined with crispy smoked bacon and sweet caramelized onions, inspired by traditional Alpine recipes.
What ingredients are needed for the spaetzle batter?
The batter requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 3 lightly beaten eggs, and 1 cup of milk.
How long does the spaetzle batter need to rest?
The batter should be covered with plastic wrap and allowed to rest for 30 minutes before cooking.
What equipment is used to shape the spaetzle?
You can use a specialized spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes to press the batter into boiling water.
How do you know when the spaetzle is finished boiling?
The spaetzle is cooked when the pieces float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes about 1 minute.
Why is an ice water bath used in this recipe?
The cooked spaetzle is transferred to an ice water bath to immediately stop the cooking process and maintain the desired texture.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of diced smoked bacon to provide a savory and crispy element.
How long should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the diced smoked bacon for roughly 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
What kind of onions are best for this dish?
One chopped yellow onion is used and should be sautéed until soft and translucent.
How is the final crispy texture of the spaetzle achieved?
The boiled spaetzle is sautéed in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding cheese such as Raclette or Gruyere for an even creamier taste.
What spices are used to season the batter?
The batter is seasoned with salt and ground nutmeg for a warm, traditional flavor profile.
What garnish is used for presentation?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as ideal for both family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners.
What is the first step in making the spaetzle?
The first step is whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl.
How are the wet ingredients incorporated?
The eggs and milk are whisked together separately and then gradually poured into the flour mixture while stirring.
Should the water for boiling be seasoned?
Yes, the recipe specifies bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaetzle.
How long do you sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 4 to 5 minutes after the bacon has reached a crispy state.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the cooked spaetzle.
When do you season with salt and pepper?
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste once the spaetzle, bacon, and onions are combined.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
This recipe is representative of German and Alpine cuisine, falling under the category of comfort food.
Is the bacon cooked alone first?
Yes, the bacon is cooked first until golden brown before adding the chopped onions to the same skillet.
Can I use a different type of flour?
The recipe specifically calls for all-purpose flour to achieve the correct batter consistency.
What is the consistency of the batter?
The batter should be smooth and thick after mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
How much nutmeg is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Are the eggs added whole?
No, the 3 eggs should be lightly beaten before being mixed with the milk.
What is the role of the slotted spoon?
A slotted spoon is used to safely transfer the floating spaetzle from the boiling water to the ice water bath.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
While best served hot, you can boil and drain the spaetzle ahead of time and perform the final sauté just before serving.
What type of salt is used for final seasoning?
Kosher salt is used at the end to season the dish to taste.
Does the recipe include pork products?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 lb of smoked bacon, which is a pork product.