Description
Classic German Spaetzle is a traditional soft egg noodle dish enjoyed across Germany. This recipe features a simple flour and egg batter, cooked by boiling, then lightly sautéed in browned butter for a rich, comforting flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, topped with grated parmesan cheese for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Spaetzle Dough
- 2 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 quarts (8 cups) water
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Make spaetzle dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1/2 cup milk. Make a well in the flour and pour in the egg mixture. Stir everything together until a thick batter forms.
- Boil spaetzle: Bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to simmer. Using a spaetzle maker, press the dough through into the simmering water. Cook the noodles for about 2 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Repeat until all dough is cooked.
- Warm spaetzle: Drain the cooled noodles well from the ice water before proceeding.
- Add butter: Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it starts to brown slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add the drained spaetzle and sauté for an additional minute until heated through and coated in butter. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the batter is thick but pourable; it should easily pass through the spaetzle maker.
- If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, a colander with large holes or a slotted spoon can be used as an alternative.
- Adding browned butter enhances the nutty flavor of spaetzle but it can be served plain or with your favorite sauce.
- To keep spaetzle warm before serving, toss lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the noodles pressed through the maker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Frying
- Cuisine: German
