The Heart of German Comfort Food
Spaetzle, those irregularly shaped egg noodles, are the epitome of German comfort food. They’re versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. While many use specialized tools, we’ll be using the traditional cutting board method.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Emmentaler or Gruyère cheese (for the cheesy variation)
Let’s Make Some Spaetzle!
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until you have a smooth, thick batter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Set Up Your Station: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place your cutting board at an angle over the pot.
- The Cutting Board Magic:
- Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter onto the top of the angled board.
- Using a long knife or spatula, quickly scrape thin strips of dough into the boiling water.
- Tip: The quicker you scrape, the more uniform your Spaetzle will be!
- Cook the Noodles: Let the Spaetzle cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a colander. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Butter ’em Up: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked Spaetzle and toss until lightly golden and crispy in spots.
- Finish with Flair: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss to combine.
For Cheese Lovers
For a delightful twist, stir in the grated cheese just before adding the parsley. Watch as it melts, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout your Spaetzle!
Tips for Spaetzle Success
- Consistency is Key: Your batter should be thick enough to hold its shape on the spoon but still easily spreadable.
- Work Quickly: The faster you scrape, the more uniform your noodles will be.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook Spaetzle in batches to ensure they have room to float freely.
Serve and Savor
Spaetzle makes a wonderful side dish to roasted meats or can be the star of the show on its own. Serve it hot, garnished with extra parsley, and watch as your family and friends fall in love with this German classic.
🍽️ Ready to channel your inner German chef? Give this Spaetzle recipe a try and transport your taste buds to the heart of Bavaria. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see how your Spaetzle turns out!
Guten Appetit!
