Delicious Homemade Spaetzle
Experience the delightful taste of Spaetzle, a beloved traditional dish that elevates any meal. These small, dumpling-like noodles are not only a fantastic accompaniment to hearty Hungarian and Bavarian dishes but also serve as a lovely stand-alone side. Made from simple ingredients, Spaetzle can be enjoyed plain with a touch of butter or dressed up in a flavorful sauté with onions, mushrooms, and even crispy bacon. Whether you're serving them alongside a robust gravy or enjoying them solo, these versatile noodles are a scrumptious change from regular pasta, bringing a touch of authenticity to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
375 g (all-purpose flour)
eggs
2 (large, lightly beaten)
salt
to taste (fine sea salt)
water
1/4 liter (room temperature)
oil
1 tablespoon (for boiling water)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Blend until mixed.
2
Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until a smooth, slightly loose dough forms. If using large eggs, adjust the water slightly to maintain the desired consistency.
3
Continue blending the dough until it becomes elastic and slightly enlarged.
4
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tablespoon of oil to the water.
5
Using a spaetzle grater, pass small batches of dough through the grater into the boiling water. If you don’t have a grater, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut it into small squares or strips.
6
Once Spaetzle floats to the surface, allow it to boil for another minute, then remove and keep warm in a dish.
7
Repeat the process for the remaining dough, keeping the cooked Spaetzle warm as you go.
8
To enhance the flavor, melt butter or bacon drippings in a frying pan over medium heat, and sauté finely chopped onions and mushrooms until golden brown. Add the cooked Spaetzle and stir gently, allowing them to crisp slightly for about 30 minutes.
9
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite gravy or sauce, or simply toss with additional butter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spaetzle?
Spaetzle are traditional small, dumpling-like noodles that are a beloved dish in Hungarian and Bavarian cuisines.
How is Spaetzle typically served?
It can be served as a stand-alone side dish, accompanied by butter, or as a component in hearty dishes with gravy and sauce.
What are the main ingredients for homemade Spaetzle?
The main ingredients are all-purpose flour, large eggs, fine sea salt, water, and a bit of oil for the boiling process.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
You will need 375 grams of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 large, lightly beaten eggs.
What is the correct consistency for Spaetzle dough?
The dough should be smooth, slightly loose, elastic, and slightly enlarged in appearance.
Should the water for the dough be hot or cold?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 liter of room temperature water.
How do I mix the Spaetzle dough?
You can combine the flour, eggs, and salt in either a mixing bowl or a blender, then gradually stir in the water.
Why is oil added to the boiling water?
One tablespoon of oil is added to the rolling boil to help prevent the noodles from sticking together.
What tool is best for shaping the Spaetzle?
A spaetzle grater is the traditional tool used to pass small batches of dough into the boiling water.
How can I make Spaetzle without a grater?
You can roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and manually cut it into small squares or strips.
How long does Spaetzle take to cook?
Once the Spaetzle floats to the surface of the boiling water, it should boil for one additional minute before being removed.
How do I know when the Spaetzle is done?
The noodles are ready to be timed when they rise and float on the surface of the water.
Can I sauté Spaetzle after boiling?
Yes, sautéing in butter or bacon drippings can enhance the flavor and add a slight crispness.
What vegetables pair well with sautéed Spaetzle?
Finely chopped onions and mushrooms are excellent choices to sauté along with the noodles.
How long should I sauté the noodles for a crispy texture?
For the best texture, sauté the noodles with your chosen ingredients for about 30 minutes over medium heat.
Can I add meat to the Spaetzle dish?
Yes, adding crispy bacon during the sautéing process is a popular way to dress up the dish.
What is the benefit of using room temperature water?
Using room temperature water helps in achieving the smooth, slightly loose dough consistency required for the grater.
Is Spaetzle considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a traditional comfort food and a hearty side dish.
Can I use different types of eggs?
The recipe is optimized for large eggs; if using different sizes, you may need to adjust the water quantity slightly.
Is this recipe suitable as a pasta alternative?
Absolutely, it is described as a scrumptious change from regular pasta and brings authenticity to the table.
How should I keep the Spaetzle warm?
As you cook the dough in batches, remove the finished noodles and place them in a warm dish.
What type of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is recommended for both the dough and the boiling water.
Can I use a blender for the whole dough process?
Yes, a blender can be used to mix the flour, eggs, and salt until they are well combined.
What if my dough is too thick?
You can gradually add more water until you reach a slightly loose and elastic consistency.
Is Spaetzle a Bavarian dish?
Yes, it is a staple of Bavarian cuisine as well as Hungarian cuisine.
Can I serve Spaetzle plain?
Yes, it is delicious when enjoyed plain with just a touch of butter.
Does the dough need to rest?
The recipe indicates you should blend it until elastic, but it can be used immediately for boiling.
How many ingredients are in the basic dough?
The basic dough consists of 4 ingredients: flour, eggs, salt, and water.
Is this recipe for homemade Spaetzle?
Yes, this recipe provides instructions for making authentic Spaetzle from scratch at home.