Spätzle
Authentic German egg noodles, known as Spätzle, are soft, chewy dumplings originating from the Swabia region. A beloved comfort food, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Sifted for a smoother batter)
- 4 Large eggs(Room temperature is ideal)
- 100 ml Whole milk(Can substitute with water or half-and-half for a different texture)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly grated nutmeg(A pinch is fine if using pre-ground, but fresh is highly recommended for flavor)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter(For tossing the cooked Spätzle)
- large pot Water(For boiling the Spätzle)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, salt, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Crack the eggs into the well. Add the milk. Begin to mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula, starting from the center and gradually incorporating the flour from the sides. Continue mixing vigorously until a smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter. This process should take about 8-10 minutes of consistent mixing.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be actively bubbling.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Prepare your Spätzle maker (a specialized grater, press, or colander with large holes) over the boiling water. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, pour about half of the batter into the Spätzle maker. Scrape or press the batter through the holes directly into the boiling water. The Spätzle will drop into the water as small dumplings.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Cook the Spätzle for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once they rise, they are cooked through. Do not overcook.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, carefully remove the cooked Spätzle from the boiling water and transfer them to a colander to drain any excess water. Repeat with the remaining batter.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Return the drained Spätzle to the empty pot (off the heat). Add the unsalted butter and gently toss until the Spätzle are coated and glistening. Serve immediately as a side dish or as the base for Käsespätzle (Spätzle with cheese) or with caramelized onions.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The batter consistency is key: it should be thick but still able to pass through the Spätzle maker. If too thick, add a tablespoon more milk; if too thin, a tablespoon more flour.
- ✓Spätzle are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This indicates they are done and tender.
- ✓For Käsespätzle, layer the warm Spätzle with grated cheese (like Emmental or Gruyère) and gently toss until melted. Top with fried onions if desired.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Käsespätzle: Layer warm Spätzle with grated cheese and toss until melted. Top with fried onions.
- Serve with pan-fried mushrooms, a rich gravy, or alongside roasted meats.
- Add finely chopped chives or parsley to the tossed Spätzle for fresh flavor and color.