Linsen mit Spätzle: Lentil stew with noodles.
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g smoked ham or sausage, diced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup flour for Spätzle
- 2 eggs for Spätzle
- 1/4 cup water or milk for Spätzle
- Salt for Spätzle dough
- Optional: Crispy fried onions for garnish
Linsen mit Spätzle is a traditional Swabian dish, popular in Southern Germany. It consists of hearty lentil stew paired with soft, homemade egg noodles known as Spätzle. The lentil stew is typically made with brown or green lentils and is slow-cooked with vegetables like carrots, leeks, and celery, as well as smoked meats, which add depth to the flavor. Spätzle, the accompanying noodles, are made from a simple dough comprising flour, eggs, and water, which is either scraped off a wooden board or pressed through a Spätzle maker into boiling water, where the noodles cook until tender. This cozy, comforting dish is often seasoned with vinegar and spices and garnished with crispy fried onions.
Introduction:
Dive into the flavors of Southern Germany with this delicious and comforting Swabian Lentils with a Twist recipe. Inspired by the traditional "Schwäbische Linsen," this dish is enriched with a savory mix of vegetables and a hint of acidity from Balsamic cream, bringing a modern touch to the classic. Perfect for a hearty dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lentils (preferably "Berglinsen")
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 potato, finely chopped
- 2 cups water (or as needed)
- 1 egg (for cooking water)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- A pinch of dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- A splash of Maggi seasoning (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Balsamic cream, to taste
- Vegetable broth, as needed
- A bit of gravy powder mixed with water (optional, for thickening)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Equipment:
- 1 large pot
- 1 frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid adding salt and pepper until the lentils are soft, as it can prolong their cooking time.
- If you're not a fan of Maggi seasoning, it can be omitted or substituted with another seasoning sauce.
Servings: 2-4
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, add 2 cups of water and an egg. Bring it to a boil. The egg helps to improve the cooking process of the lentils.
2. Once boiling, add the lentils, chopped carrot, and potato to the pot. These ingredients will help thicken the sauce later on.
3. Stir in a pinch of dried parsley for added flavor.
4. Add the bay leaves and tomato paste, which will provide a rich color to the dish. Instead of vinegar, use balsamic cream for mild acidity and sweetness.
5. Let the ingredients simmer on a low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary to prevent sticking.
6. In a separate frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
7. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent.
8. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions. Stirring constantly, cook for a few minutes until the flour is lightly browned but not burnt. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
9. Slowly combine the onion and flour mixture with the simmering lentils. Stir gently to avoid lumps.
10. To enhance the flavor, add a dash of Balsamic cream, and adjust the seasoning with salt and broth instead of pure salt.
11. If desired, add a small amount of gravy powder mixed with water to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
12. Continue to cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency and the lentils are tender.
13. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat, and let it stand for a moment to allow flavors to meld.
14. Serve hot and enjoy your Swabian Lentils with a Twist!
Attribution: This recipe is brought to you by Conny's einzigartige Kochwelt. Check out her YouTube channel for more unique culinary creations at https://www.youtube.com/@connyseinzigartigekochwelt.
#recipe #lentils #germancuisine #hearty
(Note to User: The provided subtitles were translated to English and made into a comprehensible recipe format.)
YouTube channel - Conny's einzigartige Kochwelt: https://www.youtube.com/@connyseinzigartigekochwelt
Linsen mit Spätzle: Lentil stew with noodles.
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