Spätzle

  • Total time - 30 minutes
  • Prep time - 15 minutes
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Germany
A mound of yellow-golden spätzle topped with melted butter and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Although there are various tools for making Spätzle (a special press, board, or grater), they can also be made with simple tools like a slotted spoon or spatula. The key to success is the correct dough consistency – it should be thick, but still sticky and pliable.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Spätzle

  • 250 g all-purpose flour (type 405)
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • 80 ml water or milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For finishing and serving

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • to taste parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Stir thoroughly until a smooth and viscous dough forms, which is thicker than pancake batter. The dough should be sticky but should slowly run off a spoon.

Step 2: Forming and Cooking the Spätzle

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Take a special Spätzle press or grater and press the dough directly into the boiling water. If you don't have a special tool, you can push the dough through a slotted spoon or colander. Cut small pieces of dough and drop them into the boiling water.

Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. When the Spätzle float to the surface, they are done. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl.

Step 3: Finishing

In a pan, melt the butter. Add the cooked Spätzle and briefly sauté them in the butter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately as a side dish to meat with sauce or as a standalone meal with melted butter and grated cheese.