Herbed Spaetzle with Garlic Butter

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Herbed Spaetzle with Garlic Butter is a deliciously comforting dish that brings a twist of fresh herbs to the traditional German dumpling. This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create a flavorful side dish or main course.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Features fresh herbs that brighten up the dish.
  • A perfect blend of textures: soft spaetzle with crispy edges.
  • Garlic butter takes it to a whole new flavor level.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and tossing in your flour, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick stir with a fork to mix it all together. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until they're well combined. Slowly pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently. You want a smooth, lump-free batter.

Next, fold in your parsley and chives. These herbs are what make this dish sing, so don't skimp! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is where the magic happens. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water. Watch as the spaetzle float to the top in about 2-3 minutes. That’s your signal they’re done. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and plunge them into an ice bath to halt the cooking.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant and golden, but not browned—about a minute should do. Drain the spaetzle and toss them into the skillet, ensuring they get well-coated in that glorious garlic butter. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they have a light golden crust.

Finish off by sprinkling the Parmesan cheese over your spaetzle, giving it a final season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve it up warm, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a colander if you don't have a spaetzle maker; it works like a charm.
  • If you don't have an ice bath, cold running water will work to stop the cooking process.
  • For extra crispy edges, let the spaetzle sit in the pan without stirring for a minute or two before tossing.

Serving Suggestions

This herbed spaetzle pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp white wine or a light lager would complement the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make spaetzle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spaetzle a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and then reheat in a skillet with a little butter before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs can work, but use half the amount since they're more concentrated.

Ingredients Explained

Flour is the base of our spaetzle, providing structure and substance. Salt and black pepper season the dough, giving it a subtle kick. The eggs and milk work together to create a rich, smooth batter that holds its shape. For a fresh twist, we add parsley and chives, infusing the spaetzle with a vibrant, herbal aroma. Butter melds with garlic to form a fragrant and luscious sauce, while Parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty finish.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
4. Fold in the chopped fresh parsley and chives.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
6. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water.
7. Cook the spaetzle until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
9. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
11. Drain the spaetzle and add to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the garlic butter.
12. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
13. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
14. Serve warm.

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