German Spaetzle (Spätzle)

I tried German Spaetzle while in Florida, they made it Gluten Free for me. It was love at first bite. We had it with Schnitzel, which is similar to Chicken Fried Steak but made with Pork. Spaetzle tastes like noodles and rich put together. This German “Noodle” dish is served with Butter, and sometimes Cheese, or a Mushroom Gravy.

German Spaetzle (Spätzle)

4 Cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water

4 large eggs, beaten

1 Cup milk or water (might need a bit more)

¼ Cup butter

Ground black pepper

2 Cups Grated Swiss Cheese, optional

In a medium bowl add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk and eggs. Mix everything together really well. Form a thick sticky dough, about the texture of muffin dough. The dough should flow, but break as it flows. Cover bowl with a clean towel and set aside for 15 minutes. (To let the Gluten Relax)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place a large, slotted spoon of the dough over the boiling water. With a smaller spoon press the dough through the holes in the spoon and let fall into the boiling water. (You can also use a spätzle maker, metal colander, or potato ricer to form the spaetzle.)

Continue until about half of the dough is in the water. Once the spaetzle are cooked, they will float, about 2 minutes. Pull out of the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a strainer to let the water drain away. Cook the next batch.

Once all the spaetzle is cooked and drained, add the butter to a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and browned a bit, add the spaetzle and toss to coat. Sauté the spaetzle in the pan until they start to get a bit crisp, about 8 minutes. Season with black pepper and sprinkle with cheese if using. If using cheese heat until cheese is melted.

Serve as a side dish similar to macaroni and cheese or rice or buttered noodles.

*To make Gluten Free use a Gluten Free 1:1 Flour mix, add ½ teaspoon xanthium gum if the flour does not contain it.

*To make Dairy Free use almond or oak milk in place of the milk and use Dairy Free butter instead.

Jan Dairy Keen-Home of the Train