What is Spatzle? – German American Society of Central Florida (2024)

FAQs

What does spaetzle mean in German? ›

The origin of the word Spätzle comes from Swabian meaning little sparrows. Swabia is a cultural, historic and linguistic region in southwestern Germany. The name is ultimately derived from the medieval Duchy of Swabia.

Usually when you make pasta, you form a dense dough from flour and eggs, which you knead, rest, roll, and cut until your arms feel like they're on the verge of falling off. To make spaetzle, you just mix flour, egg, and a bit of milk into a pancake batter-like consistency.

Taste: Spatzle taste similar to my beloved egg noodles, with the chewiness of a dumpling.

If you don't have a spaetzle maker, the batter can be pressed through the holes of a colander with a spatula (just make sure to lift the colander above the boiling water so it doesn't get clogged with cooked dough). I've heard a potato ricer works well, too.

Spaetzle—also spelled spätzle—originates from Swabia, a region of southwest Germany, and served with hearty dishes like schnitzel and goulash.

Other names for Spätzle include Spätzli, Spatzen, and Knöpfle (short & round version of the Spätzle found in the Baden region). Spätzle are made from flour, eggs, water, and salt. Compared to Italian pasta, the Spätzle dough is moister and softer. Because of this, the dough cannot be rolled out.

They say that in earlier times, spaetzle were formed into tiny pieces of dough, either purely by hand, or with the help of a spoon. The result slightly resembled a sparrow (Spatz), which is why they were also called “Spatzen”.

What is the difference between gnocchi and spaetzle? The main difference between gnocchi and spaetzle is that gnocchi are made from potatoes while spaetzle noodles are made from flour, originally spelt flour. Gnocchi are also typically much larger than spaetzle, which are fairly small.

Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make ahead: Complete steps 1 through 7 up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container until you're ready to proceed with step 8. Freezer: Cool the boiled spaetzle, then package in freezer-safe containers.

I've served the dumplings plain with melted butter and chopped chives. I've crisped them in a pan of brown butter and almonds. I've topped them with hearty beef stew. But layered with cheese and caramelized onions is still my favorite variation.

How to know when spaetzle is done? ›

They are ready when they start floating to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove from the water and either serve right on a plate or place in a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes to avoid from sticking to each other if you want to finish making the full batch of Spaetzle in one go.

A cheese grater or even a colander can work to form your spaetzle. Just press the batter through the holes directly into the boiling water, and you're good to go!

wheat flour. Type 405 wheat flour is probably the most widely used today for spätzle. Type 405 indicates how high the degree of milling and the content of minerals such as magnesium or potassium.

The exact meaning of the word “Schatzi” in the German language is jewel, gem, or treasure.

What is the difference between gnocchi and spaetzle? The main difference between gnocchi and spaetzle is that gnocchi are made from potatoes while spaetzle noodles are made from flour, originally spelt flour. Gnocchi are also typically much larger than spaetzle, which are fairly small.

I've always used lecker with no problems whatsoever, but there's always the less direct Das schmeckt mir (sehr) gut (word-for-word: That tastes to me (very) good/ That tastes (very) good to me) if you want to make clear that you specifically enjoyed the food, not only that it was delicious.”