Enjoy the authentic taste of Germany with this homemade spaetzle dumplings recipe. Made from simple pantry ingredients, these dumplings are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Serve them as a side dish or as the main attraction in dishes like cheese spaetzle or beef stroganoff. This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, and the result is a delicious and comforting dish that will transport you to the heart of Bavaria.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Optional: grated cheese, chives, or parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined and the batter becomes smooth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Using a spaetzle maker or a large-holed colander, press the batter through the holes and let it drop into the boiling water. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drop small portions of the batter into the water.
- Boil the dumplings for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander to drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the boiled dumplings and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to lightly brown.
- Serve the spaetzle dumplings immediately as a side dish or as a base for dishes like cheese spaetzle or beef stroganoff. Garnish with grated cheese, chives, or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade German spaetzle dumplings!
Interesting Facts
Spaetzle dumplings are a traditional German dish that can be traced back to the 18th century.
The name 'spaetzle' means 'little sparrows' in German, referring to the unique shape of the dumplings.
Spaetzle is often served with hearty meat dishes, such as sausages or schnitzel.
Using a spaetzle maker or a large-holed colander is a traditional way to shape the dumplings, but you can also use a spoon if you don't have the specialized tools.