Spätzle

שפּעצלע

Swabia, GermanyAshkenaziEveryday Pareve 35 min 6 servings Medium

Soft egg-based dumplings common in South German Jewish kitchens. In kosher households they were boiled, then often pan-fried in a little fat for texture, and served alongside meat dishes or with onions and herbs.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil or schmaltz for pan-frying
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk the flour, salt, and optional nutmeg together in a bowl.

  2. 2

    Beat in the eggs and water until a thick, sticky batter forms; it should slowly fall from a spoon.

  3. 3

    Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes while bringing a pot of salted water to a boil.

  4. 4

    Press the batter through a spätzle maker, colander, or cut it from a board into the boiling water.

  5. 5

    Cook until the dumplings float to the surface, about 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Lift them out with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander to drain.

  7. 7

    Heat the oil or schmaltz in a skillet and add the drained spätzle.

  8. 8

    Pan-fry briefly until lightly golden in spots, then toss with parsley if using.

  9. 9

    Serve hot as a side or simple main accompaniment.

Kosher notes

Pareve if finished with oil; using schmaltz keeps it appropriate for meat meals but changes classification in strict menu planning.

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Global Jewish Kitchen — recipes are labeled meat, dairy, or pareve. We are not a kashrut agency. Customs differ. Ask your rabbi.