This homemade herb spaetzle recipe is a perfect side dish to complement any meat or vegetable dish. The soft and chewy dumplings are made from scratch with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and fresh herbs. They are then boiled and pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve these flavorful spaetzle with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese for a truly delightful experience. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and the result is a comforting and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Sour cream or grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, parsley, chives, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and a sticky dough forms.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Using a spaetzle maker or a large-hole colander, press the dough through the holes directly into the boiling water. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cook the spaetzle for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander to drain excess water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked spaetzle and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy.
- Serve the herb spaetzle hot with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Spaetzle is a traditional German dish that originated in southwestern Germany and can be traced back to the 18th century.
The word "spaetzle" translates to "little sparrows" in German, referring to the unique shape of the dumplings.
Traditionally, spaetzle was made by hand with a spoon and scraping the dough into boiling water. Nowadays, special spaetzle makers or colanders with large holes are commonly used to create the distinctive shape.
Herbs like parsley and chives add freshness and flavor to the spaetzle, making them even more delicious.
In addition to being a popular side dish, spaetzle can also be served as a main course with a variety of sauces or mixed with cheese and baked for a comforting casserole.