Spätzle: Egg noodles.
Homemade German Spätzle is a traditional Swabian noodle dish, cherished for its simple ingredients and versatile nature. This recipe involves mixing a batter of eggs, flour, salt, and water (or milk) to create a thick, sticky dough. The dough is then pushed through a Spätzle maker or a colander with large holes, directly into a pot of boiling water. Once the Spätzle rises to the surface, indicating they are cooked, they are drained and can be sautéed in butter or mixed with various sauces, cheese, crispy onions, or added to soups and stews. Known for its tender, chewy texture, Spätzle makes a comforting side dish or can serve as the backbone of a hearty main course when paired with meats or vegetables.
Introduction:
Hello, I'm Chef John from Food Wishes, and I'm delighted to guide you through one of my favorite recipes, Golden Toasted Butter Spätzle. A beloved comfort food from the heart of Central Europe, Spätzle is the world’s easiest free-form pasta, sporting a taste and texture very similar to its Italian cousin. This simple dish is delightfully versatile, pairing well with any of your favorite pasta accompaniments. It's quicker and simpler than traditional pasta but just as satisfying. Let’s go ahead and get started on this comforting classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed for adjustment)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon crème fraîche, sour cream, or yogurt
- ¾ cup whole milk (plus more if needed for adjustment)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salted water for boiling
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Standard cheese grater
- Large pot for boiling water
- Strainer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
1. Start by making the Spätzle batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, one large egg, salt, a pinch of cayenne (if using), and a tablespoon of crème fraîche, sour cream, or yogurt.
2. Pour the whole milk into the mixing bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
3. Evaluate the consistency of the batter. You're aiming for a texture that drips slowly off the whisk and is not too runny. If the batter pours off quickly, stir in a bit more flour. Conversely, if it's too thick, add a splash more milk. The ideal viscosity should resemble pancake batter.
4. Once the correct consistency is achieved, scrape your whisk clean with a spatula.
5. To create your Spätzle, you'll need a "Spätzle-making tool" – a cheese grater with large holes will serve this purpose well using the smooth side.
6. Place a large pot filled with salted water on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
7. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your toasted butter. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it reaches a nice golden brown color. Adjust the toasted level to your preference.
8. Place a spoonful of the Spätzle batter onto the smooth side of the cheese grater, positioned just above the boiling water. Use the spatula to push the batter through the holes. The batter should only drip through as you press with the spatula.
9. The Spätzle will clump together initially but will separate easily when stirred. Once they float to the surface, they are done cooking. This will happen quite rapidly.
10. As the Spätzle float to the top, use a strainer to transfer them into your pan with the melted butter or your chosen sauce.
11. Repeat the process until all the batter has been used, working a couple of spoonfuls at a time.
12. Once all Spätzle are cooked and transferred to the butter, give them a nice stir to ensure each piece is coated with the golden butter.
13. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Golden Toasted Butter Spätzle!
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the consistency of the batter before cooking it. Remember, you can always fine-tune by adding a touch more flour or milk.
- Keep the Spätzle moving in the boiling water to prevent sticking and clumping.
- Use the strainer to gently but quickly remove the Spätzle to prevent overcooking.
Attribution:
This recipe is proudly brought to you by Chef John from Food Wishes. For more delightful recipes, be sure to check out their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@foodwishes.
#comfortfood #homemade #food #recipe
YouTube channel - Food Wishes: https://www.youtube.com/@foodwishes
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