Meals Matter

Spaetzle

Contributed By: lilhdawg
Whole Foods Market Cookbook

The typical "pasta" from the mountainous Tirol area of Austria — a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk with Swiss cheese, butter and chopped parsley added for flavoring. This is a versatile side dish that can be turned into an entrée by serving with cooked sausages or the traditional schnitzel. Spaetzle can also be added to a boiling soup stock for a delicious twist on dumplings.

Ingredients

1 cup Flour

3 Eggs

1/2 cup Milk

5 tb Plus 11/2 tsp salt, divided

White pepper to taste

Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)

Freshly ground nutmeg to taste

2 tb Butter

Sea salt, to taste

Ground pepper, to taste

1/4 bunch Parsley leaves, cleaned, finely chopped

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water (about 5 quarts) to a boil. Add 5 tablespoons of salt to pot once it boils.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, 11/2 teaspoon salt, white pepper or cayenne and nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and milk, stirring to incorporate. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon until incorporated and dough resembles a thick pancake batter.

Place a pasta colander on top of the pot of boiling water. Pour half of the batter into the colander. Using a rubber spatula, press the dough and force it through the holes of the colander, letting the "noodles" fall into the boiling water. Cook until the water returns to a simmer and the spaetzle rise to the surface, then remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl filled with ice cold water to stop the spaetzle from cooking. Repeat with the remaining batch of dough.

Once the spaetzle are cooled, drain them. Melt the butter in a medium-hot pan. Add the spaetzle and sauté until lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

Variations: The spaetzle can also be garnished with finely minced lemon zest or finely chopped sage.

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Recipe Details

Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients: Rice, Pasta & Bread
Actual Cooking Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 6
Special Features: Vegetarian
Meal Type: Entree

Nutrient Information

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 290mg
Fiber: <1g