Save Tender German spinach spaetzle tossed in fragrant garlic butter—an easy, vibrant twist on a classic comfort food.
I first tasted homemade spaetzle in a small village nestled in the Bavarian Alps. The rich, tender dumplings were unlike anything I'd ever experienced, a true revelation of German comfort food. Bringing that memory back to my kitchen, I wanted to create a dish that captured the essence of traditional spaetzle but with a fresh, vibrant twist. Spinach seemed like the perfect addition, lending both beautiful color and a hint of earthy flavor, while a simple garlic butter dressing elevated it to a truly irresistible meal. This recipe is a nod to those cherished memories, a delightful blend of authentic German charm and a hint of modern freshness that I'm excited to share with you.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach: 150 g (or 100 g frozen, thawed and well-drained)
- Large eggs: 3
- All-purpose flour: 250 g
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Freshly grated nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Water: 2 tbsp (as needed)
- Unsalted butter: 60 g
- Garlic cloves: 3 (finely minced)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Emmental cheese: (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Prepare Spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it for 1 minute, drain well, squeeze out excess water, and finely chop. If using frozen, ensure it is thawed and very well drained.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and nutmeg. Add the chopped spinach and mix well.
- Form Dough:
- Gradually add flour, stirring until a thick, sticky batter forms. If the batter is too stiff, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it is soft but not runny.
- Make Spaetzle:
- Working in batches, press the dough through a spaetzle maker or large-holed colander directly into the boiling water.
- Cook Spaetzle:
- Cook spaetzle until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Repeat until all the dough is used.
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked spaetzle to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic butter for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Save I remember one family dinner, my younger brother, usually a picky eater, was hesitant about the 'green noodles'. But one bite in, his eyes lit up, and he asked for seconds! It's moments like these, seeing loved ones enjoy a dish you've poured your heart into, that truly make cooking worthwhile. This spinach spaetzle has become a cherished part of our family meals.
Required Tools
- Large pot
- Spaetzle maker or large-holed colander
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Slotted spoon
Allergen Information
- Contains: Egg, Wheat (Gluten), Milk (if cheese is used), Butter (Milk).
- For dairy-free: substitute butter with olive oil and omit cheese.
- Always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Protein: 11 g
Save This vibrant spinach spaetzle is a delightful journey to German comfort, made easy and flavorful. Enjoy every tender, garlicky bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can frozen spinach be used for spaetzle?
Yes, frozen spinach can work as long as it's thawed and very well drained before mixing into the dough.
- → What’s the best way to make spaetzle without a spaetzle maker?
Press the dough through a large-holed colander directly into boiling water for small dumplings.
- → How do I know when spaetzle is cooked?
The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface of the boiling water, usually after 2–3 minutes.
- → Is it possible to make the dish dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil and omit cheese to make the dish fully dairy-free.
- → Can spaetzle be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, make spaetzle in advance and reheat it in garlic butter before serving for convenience.
- → Which cheese pairs best with spinach spaetzle?
Freshly grated Parmesan or mild Emmental cheese adds a delicious finish to the dish.