5 Ingredient Spaetzle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What consistency should spaetzle dough be? ›

The consistency of the batter should be pourable but not super runny (it should drop off a spatula or spoon in thick ribbons). Bring a pot of lightly salted water or broth (about 2 to 3 quarts total) to a boil. Press the batter through a spaetzle maker in batches (see notes for alternate methods).

Spätzle is a type of pasta or dumpling or noodles. Spätzle dough typically consists of few ingredients, principally eggs, flour, and salt. The Swabian rule of thumb is to use a number of eggs equal to the number of servings, plus one. Water is often added to produce a runnier dough.

Spaetzle is basically a blank, buttery canvas that will absorb whatever flavorings you care to mix into it. I've served the dumplings plain with melted butter and chopped chives. I've crisped them in a pan of brown butter and almonds. I've topped them with hearty beef stew.

But really, it's not difficult to make spaetzle at home, especially if you have a spaetzle maker. Although if you don't have one, don't fret! A colander with large holes will work almost as well and lets you enjoy fresh-made spaetzle any time you want!

You can make spätzle with only rye flour, but they will look better if you add some wheat or spelled flour. Rye flour should be very health-promoting. Whole-wheat flour does not have a type designation, because this is where the whole grain is ground.

Excess water makes a batter, while too little water renders a dough rough, dry and unpliable. Generally speaking, a flour to water ratio of 2:1 achieves a dough of reasonable consistency. So if you have 500g of flour, use about 250 mL of water.

German Spätzle, from German dialect, diminutive of Spatz sparrow, dumpling.

As the spaetzle gradually rise to the surface of the boiling water, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish. Serve immediately, while still warm.

You often see it with veal or pork, but chicken is also popular and it's my preference for summer. The meat is pounded thin and breaded in a mix of breadcrumbs or panko and quickly fried.

My make-ahead Spaetzle noodles can be formed and boiled up to 3 days ahead. Try my Spaetzle-making trick using a colander if you don't have (or want to invest in) special equipment to make this classic German side dish recipe.

What pasta is similar to spaetzle? ›

Spaetzle is a German egg noodle, but is (supposed to be) longer and thinner, somewhat like spaghetti. Knoepfle is the “button-shaped” equivalent to spaetzle.

Spaetzle are traditional German dumplings. You can also mince a few pieces of bacon in a pan, heat the cooked spaetzle in the bacon drippings and omit the butter.

Gnocchi are dumplings made/shaped by hand from a potato dough, and boiled like pasta. (See history).. Spaetzle is made from a more fluid batter (think pancake batter consistency)with egg, milk/cream, and flour. Not a potato in sight.

Good pasta dough is firm and leathery to touch, but also pliable. It should never stick to your fingers or crumble and fall apart. Many factors, such as humidity, the brand of flour used, and the size of eggs, may affect dough consistency.

To knead, simply press the heel of your hand into the ball of dough, pushing forward and down. Rotate the ball 45° and do it again. You'll want to keep going until the dough no longer looks powdery—it should have a smooth, elastic texture, similar to a firm ball of Play-Doh.

The finished dough should be smooth and regular with the texture of modelling clay – not too wet and not too dry. If in doubt, err on the sticky side – you can always dust the dough with flour, but you can't add extra water. Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 4 hours before rolling.

If you're getting the sticky dough ball, "Usually, that's because your dough is too wet," Danny Freeman told Tasting Table. In the case that "you're kneading the dough and it's sticking to your hands, add more flour." Conversely, if the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more water.