Hungarian Spaetzle Delight
Hungarian Spaetzle, known as shpetz-leh in my family, is a delightful noodle dish that embodies the heart and soul of traditional Hungarian cuisine. These soft, small dumplings are incredibly versatile and are best enjoyed when paired with rich sauces like Chicken Paprikash or hearty Beef Goulash, both dishes that highlight the aromatic essence of Hungarian paprika. This recipe yields a batch of fluffy spaetzle that can be a comforting side or a meal on its own, making it a beloved staple in our family gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
750 g (all-purpose flour)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
salt
to taste (fine sea salt)
water
500 ml (warm)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
2
Gradually add the water while stirring until a thick paste forms. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4
Using one of two methods, drop the spaetzle paste into the boiling water: (a) Using a scant teaspoon, lower small amounts of the paste into the water, where they will separate and cook, or (b) use a coarse grater to push the paste through, allowing small drops to fall into the boiling water.
5
Cook the spaetzle for 1-2 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
6
Strain the spaetzle and rinse briefly under cold water if desired to stop the cooking process.
7
Serve immediately topped with your favorite Hungarian dish or toss with a bit of butter and herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hungarian Spaetzle?
Hungarian Spaetzle, often called shpetz-leh, are soft, small dumplings that are a traditional staple of Hungarian cuisine.
What dishes pair best with Hungarian Spaetzle?
It is best paired with rich sauces like Chicken Paprikash or hearty Beef Goulash.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 main ingredients: flour, eggs, salt, and water.
How much flour is required for the spaetzle?
The recipe calls for 750 grams of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs should I use?
You will need 3 large, beaten eggs.
What type of salt is recommended?
Fine sea salt is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of water should be added to the flour mixture?
You should use 500 ml of warm water.
What should the consistency of the spaetzle dough be?
It should be a thick paste. Do not overmix it; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
How long do the spaetzle take to cook?
They typically cook for 1-2 minutes until they float to the surface.
How do I know when the spaetzle are done cooking?
They are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
What are the two methods for dropping the paste into the water?
You can use a scant teaspoon to lower small amounts of paste, or use a coarse grater to push the paste through into the boiling water.
Should I rinse the spaetzle after straining them?
Rinsing briefly under cold water is optional but can help stop the cooking process.
Can I serve spaetzle as a standalone meal?
Yes, it can be a comforting side or a meal on its own, often tossed with butter and herbs.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a family favorite.
Why is paprika mentioned in the description?
Paprika is mentioned because spaetzle is traditionally served with dishes that highlight the aromatic essence of Hungarian paprika.
What is the phonetic family name for this dish?
In the author's family, it is known as 'shpetz-leh'.
Should the boiling water be salted?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the paste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl.
Is it okay if the paste has lumps?
Yes, a few lumps are okay; you should avoid overmixing the dough.
What is the best way to serve the spaetzle immediately?
Serve it topped with your favorite Hungarian dish or toss it with butter and herbs.
What category of food is Hungarian Spaetzle?
It is categorized as a noodle dish, dumpling, and comfort food.
How do you drop the paste using the grater method?
Use a coarse grater to push the paste through, allowing small drops to fall directly into the boiling water.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional Hungarian recipe that embodies the soul of their cuisine.
How much water is needed for the dough?
The dough requires 500 ml of warm water added gradually.
Can I use large eggs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 large, beaten eggs.
What kind of flour should be used?
All-purpose flour is the recommended type for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include hungarian, spaetzle, dumplings, pasta, comfort food, and family recipe.
Is the water for the paste added all at once?
No, you should gradually add the water while stirring until a thick paste forms.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a beloved staple for family gatherings according to the description.
What is the main goal of rinsing with cold water?
The main goal is to stop the cooking process once the spaetzle are done.