Spatzle (German Dumplings)

Spatzle is a tiny seasoned dumpling made in Germany and is typically served as a side dish or with sauces and gravies. They are very easy to make and are usually strained through a colander into hot boiling water and cooked to perfection. You can find affordable spatzle makers online or you can simply use a small colander/slotted spoon and push it through with a rubber spatula.

With this simple recipe, when cooked, you can add these dumplings to any dish or soup. They are absolutely delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

1 C. Flour
1 Egg
1/4 Tsp. Nutmeg
3 Tbsp. Buttermilk
1/3 C. whole Milk
1 Tsp. Salt (1/4 tsp if using fine salt)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl combine the flour, egg, nutmeg, salt, and buttermilk. Add just enough whole milk to make a slightly thicker pancake batter. The batter should be thick enough to be placed on a colander/slotted spoon and not run through unless pressed through with a rubber spatula.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Place some of the batter on your desired utensil and gently press the batter through the utensil. The batter will fall through into the boiling water and make tiny little dumplings.
3. Cook until the dumplings begin to float. cook 1 minute more and remove to a plate or bowl.
4. Serve tossed in butter or add to recipes as desired.

• Serve these dumplings as a side dish. Add a bit of butter, salt, parmesan cheese, and pepper. Toss to coat.
• Add these tasty little dumplings to soups, stews, or chilis for a more heartier-style dinner or lunch.
• Make a light dinner by sauteeing some cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until the tomatoes pop and release their juices. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and some sliced or torn basil. Stir. Add the dumplings and toss to coat in the tomato sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve. Simple. Delicious.
• I love making a simple herby spatzle. Bring olive oil to heat over medium-low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the cooked spatzle and toss to coat. Add some freshly chopped parsley, thyme, basil, and oregano. Toss to coat. Add a bit of parmesan cheese on top if desired and serve.