How to Make Quick German Spaetzle

Serve spaetzle as you might serve orzo or rice.

Little German dumplings called spaetzle are easy to make -- and easy to love. It requires just a few pantry ingredients and a simple technique. Serve spaetzle as you would orzo or rice -- alongside a nice roast with gravy, for example. Dish spaetzle onto a plate with sausages and sauerkraut for an even more authentic German meal.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Large pot for boiling
• Cutting board
• Metal spatula
• Slotted spoon or strainer

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.

2. Add the flour and salt to a mixing bowl. Crack a fresh egg into the center and start to stir.

3. Add the cold water and continue to stir. Stir until the mixture is smooth and sticky.

4. Place about 1/2 cup of dough onto a small wet cutting board, Quickly dip the metal spatula into the pot of boiling water, then repeatedly scrape about a 1/4-inch "slice" of dough right into the water. Continue to do this quickly, until all of the dough on the board is used. Keep the spatula wet to prevent the dough from sticking to it.

5. The noodles are done when they float to the surface. Remove them from the water with a slotted spoon or strainer. Add a bit of butter and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Add chicken broth for a quick soup and dumplings.

• Add finely chopped herbs to the dough for a gourmet dumpling.

• Add a cheese sauce to make German noodles and cheese.

• Saute a little onion, green peppers and sausages and serve with spaetzle.

• Don't overcook the spaetzle or the dumplings will get slimy.

References

• Food Network: Spaetzle