Spaetzle – Little Pasta ‘Sparrows’ From Sudtirol

Read Time:24 Minute, 34 Second

Spaetzle, or spätzle, is a rustic pasta most commonly associated with Germany, but is equally prevalent in the Sudtirol region of Italy.

This is one food that is truly regional in Italy. I never see it on our tours in the Veneto, but travel an hour north to Trentino-Alto Adige, and it is quite common. It’s a great dish to enjoy as a slope side lunch during a ski holiday at Madonna di Campiglio, or to load up on those carbohydrates before a bike tour over Passo Giau.

It is a fairly simple recipe, consisting of eggs, flour, salt, and milk or water. Centuries ago, this pasta was shaped by hand or with a spoon, scraping it off of a wooden cutting board directly into boiling water. The shape resembled small birds, giving rise to the name spätzle, which translates to “little sparrow”. Since then, several devices have been invented to form the dough, all ways of ‘extruding’ this noodle, and all reminding me of the plastic press that we used during our childhood for Playdough. Some look like flat graters with a box on top which holds the dough and slides along the holes, other resemble food mills or a strainer. If you don’t have one of these spaetzle makers, you could use a colander or flat grater, and push the dough through the holes with a metal spoon. Remember, this is rustic cooking, so don’t get too concerned about the shape! I borrowed a spaetzle maker from a friend’s mother who has been making this for years.

There are several versions of spaetzle you may find in your travels. Leberspätzle  has had the dough enriched with minced pork liver; common in Sudtirol is Spinatspatzeln, spätzle that has spinach added to the dough. You may find it in soup, served with lentils, or served as a side dish to meats with sauces, like I enjoyed on a recent trip to Val Gardena.

See Also

Angel Hair Stracchino PastaAngel Hair Stracchino Pasta
Angel Hair Stracchino and Tomato Pasta

Spaetzle RecipeSpaetzle Recipe
Shutterstock: Karl Allgaeuer

Step by Step Guide to Making Spaetzle – Little Pasta ‘Sparrows’ From Sudtirol


  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
    • In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs.
    • Gradually alternate adding the beaten eggs and milk to the flour mixture. Aim for a brownie batter consistency.
    • Adjust the dough with more milk if too stiff or more flour if too wet.

  2. Cooking the Spaetzle:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Use a spaetzle maker, colander, or grater to press about 1/4 of the dough through holes directly into boiling water.
    • Once noodles rise to the top, skim them off with a slotted spoon and transfer to a sheet pan.
    • Repeat the process until all noodles are cooked.

  3. Finishing the Spaetzle:

    • In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
    • Add the cooked spaetzle noodles and stir to coat them in butter.
    • Season with parsley, salt, and pepper.
    • Serve the spaetzle warm as a side dish.

Print

.tasty-recipes-print-button{background-color:#667;border:none;display:inline-block;padding:.5em 1em;text-decoration:none}body:not(.tasty-recipes-print-view) .tasty-recipes-print-button.tasty-recipes-print-above-card{color:#fff;display:none}body:not(.tasty-recipes-print-view) .tasty-recipes-print-button.tasty-recipes-print-above-card:hover{background-color:#b2b2bb;color:#fff;display:inline-block;padding:.5em 1em;text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container{display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-wrap:wrap;float:right;margin-left:10px}body.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-buttons,body.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-cook-mode{display:none}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-buttons{margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-button-wrap{box-sizing:border-box;margin-bottom:10px}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-buttons a{background-color:#f9f9f9;border:1px solid #aaa;border-radius:0;color:#aaa;cursor:pointer;display:block;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;margin-top:0;padding:8px;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-buttons .button:hover{background-color:#aaa;border:1px solid #aaa;color:#fff;opacity:1}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-buttons a:hover{background-color:#979599;text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-image-button-container .tasty-recipes-buttons svg{display:none}.tasty-recipes-yield-scale{border:1px solid #979599;border-radius:2px;color:#979599;font-size:.7rem;margin-left:3px;padding:0 4px}.tasty-recipes-units-scale-container{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap}.tasty-recipes-convert-container{padding:0 1em 1em 0}.tasty-recipes-convert-container .tasty-recipes-convert-label{align-self:center;color:#979599;font-size:.6rem;text-transform:uppercase}.tasty-recipes-convert-container button{background:transparent;border:1px solid #353547;border-radius:2px;color:#353547;letter-spacing:0;margin-left:5px;min-width:34px;padding:2px 4px;text-align:center}.tasty-recipes-convert-container button.tasty-recipes-convert-button-active{background-color:#000;border-color:#000;color:#fff}.tasty-recipes-convert-container button:focus{outline:none}.tasty-recipes-scale-container{display:flex;padding:0 0 1em}.tasty-recipes-scale-container .tasty-recipes-scale-label{align-self:center;color:#979599;font-size:.6rem;text-transform:uppercase}.tasty-recipes-scale-container button{background:transparent;border:1px solid #353547;border-radius:2px;color:#353547;cursor:pointer;letter-spacing:0;margin-left:5px;min-width:34px;padding:2px 4px}.tasty-recipes-scale-container button.tasty-recipes-scale-button-active{background-color:#000;border-color:#000;color:#fff}.tasty-recipes-scale-container button:focus{outline:none}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-header{margin:1em 0}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-ingredients-header{align-items:center;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between}}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-header .tasty-recipes-ingredients-clipboard-container{align-items:baseline;display:inline-flex}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-header h3{margin:0 10px 10px 0}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-clipboard-container .tasty-recipes-copy-button{background:transparent;border:none;color:#353547;height:24px;padding:0;position:relative;width:24px}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-clipboard-container .tasty-recipes-copy-button:hover{opacity:.5}.tasty-recipes-instructions-header{align-items:baseline;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between;margin:1em 0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions h3{margin:0 0 1rem}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions h3{margin:0}}button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle]{background:#979599;border:#979599;border-radius:2px;display:inline-block;font-size:14px;height:30px;line-height:20px;margin:0;padding:0;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:86px}button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle] span{padding:0 4px;pointer-events:none}button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle][aria-checked=false] :last-child,button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle][aria-checked=true] :first-child{background:#fff;border-radius:2px;color:#979599;padding:2px 4px}button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle][aria-checked=false] :first-child,button[name=tasty-recipes-video-toggle][aria-checked=true] :last-child{color:#fff}label[for=tasty-recipes-video-toggle]{color:#979599;font-size:.6rem;line-height:30px;padding-right:8px;text-transform:uppercase;user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;-webkit-user-select:none;-o-user-select:none;vertical-align:middle}.tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container{margin:10px 0}.tasty-recipes-equipment{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-evenly}.tasty-recipes-equipment>h3{flex:0 0 100%}.tasty-recipes-equipment .tasty-link-card{flex:0 0 50%;padding:1.5rem 1rem;text-align:center}@media screen and (min-width:500px){.tasty-recipes-equipment .tasty-link-card{flex:0 0 33%}}.tasty-recipes-equipment .tasty-link-card p{font-size:1em;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-equipment .tasty-link-card p a{color:initial}.tasty-recipes-equipment .tasty-link-card span{font-size:.9em}.tasty-recipes .tasty-recipes-nutrition ul{list-style-type:none;margin:0;padding:0}.tasty-recipes .tasty-recipes-nutrition ul:after{clear:both;content:\” \”;display:block}.tasty-recipes .tasty-recipes-nutrition li{float:left;list-style-type:none;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;margin-right:16px}.tasty-recipes-plug{align-items:center;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:1em;text-align:center}.tasty-recipes-plug a{box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-plug a img{background:transparent;box-shadow:none;display:inline-block;height:auto;margin:5px 0 0 8px;padding:0;width:150px}.tasty-recipes-footer-content{padding:1.5em;text-align:center}.tasty-recipes-footer-content .tasty-recipes-footer-copy{margin-left:0}.tasty-recipes-footer-content img,.tasty-recipes-footer-content svg{width:60px}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-entry-footer h3{font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 .25em;padding:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer p{font-size:.75em;margin:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer p a{border-bottom:none;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:underline}.tasty-recipes-flash-message{background-color:#fff;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 .3px .4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.024),0 .9px 1.5px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.05),0 3.5px 6px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.1);color:#313135;display:inline-block;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:0;line-height:1.2em;margin-left:10px;padding:4px 10px}@media screen and (min-width:500px){.tasty-recipes-flash-message{padding:4px 10px}}.tasty-recipes-flash-message p{margin:0;padding:0;text-transform:none}@media screen and (min-width:500px){.tasty-recipes-footer-content{align-items:center;display:flex;justify-content:center;padding:1.5em 0;text-align:left}.tasty-recipes-footer-content .tasty-recipes-footer-copy{margin-left:.8em}}@media print{.tasty-recipes-no-print,.tasty-recipes-no-print *{display:none!important}}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox]{cursor:pointer;list-style-position:outside;list-style-type:none!important;margin-left:0!important}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container{position:relative}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=checkbox]+label{display:inline-block;position:relative;vertical-align:middle}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=checkbox]{clip:rect(1px 1px 1px 1px);clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);height:1px;overflow:hidden;position:absolute!important;width:1px}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=checkbox]+label:before{border:1px solid;border-radius:2px;content:\”\”;display:inline-block;height:20px;margin-right:10px;position:relative;width:20px}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+label:after{border-bottom:2px solid;border-left:2px solid;content:\”\”;display:inline-block;height:6px;left:4px;position:absolute;top:4px;transform:rotate(-45deg);width:12px}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox] .tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=checkbox]:focus+label:before{box-shadow:0 0 8px #5e9ed6;outline:1px solid #5d9dd5}[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox=checked]{opacity:.8;text-decoration:line-through}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__container{align-items:center;display:flex;line-height:100%}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__container label{font-size:inherit}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch{display:inline-block;height:17px;margin-right:10px;position:relative;width:30px}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch-slider{background-color:#737373;bottom:0;cursor:pointer;display:block;left:0;opacity:.4;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;transition:.4s}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch-slider:before{background-color:#fff;bottom:2px;content:\”\”;height:13px;left:2px;position:absolute;transition:.4s;width:13px}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch input{display:none}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch input:checked+span{opacity:1}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch input:checked+span:before{transform:translateX(13px)}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch-round{border-radius:34px}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch-round:before{border-radius:50%}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__label{font-weight:700}/* Bold recipe card styles. */ .tasty-recipes{border:5px solid #667;margin-top:6em;margin-bottom:4em}.tasty-recipes.tasty-recipes-has-plug{margin-bottom:1em}.tasty-recipes-plug{margin-bottom:4em}.tasty-recipes-print-button{display:none}.tasty-recipes-image-shim{height:69.5px;clear:both}.tasty-recipes-entry-header{background-color:#667;color:#fff;text-align:center;padding-top:35px;padding-bottom:1.5em;padding-left:2.5em;padding-right:2.5em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header.tasty-recipes-has-image{padding-top:0px}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-image{float:none;text-align:center;transform:translateY(-115px);margin-bottom:1em;/* Decide if we need this */}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-image img{-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;border:5px solid #667;height:150px;width:150px;display:inline-block;object-fit:cover}.tasty-recipes-entry-header h2{font-size:2em;font-weight:400;text-transform:lowercase;margin-bottom:0;text-align:center;color:#fff;margin-top:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-has-image .tasty-recipes-entry-header h2{margin-top:-115px}.tasty-recipes-entry-header hr{border:1px solid #b7bbc6;background-color:#b7bbc6;margin-bottom:1em;margin-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header div.tasty-recipes-rating{text-decoration:none;border:none;display:block;font-size:1.375em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-rating:hover{text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-rating p{margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-no-ratings-buttons .unchecked,.tasty-recipes-no-ratings-buttons .checked,.tasty-recipes-entry-header span.tasty-recipes-rating{color:#fff;color:var(–tr-star-color)}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .rating-label{font-style:italic;color:#b7bbc6;font-size:0.6875em;display:block}.tasty-recipes,.tasty-recipes-ratings{–tr-star-size:0.97em!important;–tr-star-margin:0.5em!important}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details{margin-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul{list-style-type:none;margin:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul li{display:inline-block;margin-left:0.5em;margin-right:0.5em;font-size:1em;line-height:2.5em;color:#fff}@media only screen and (max-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .detail-icon{height:0.8em;margin-top:0.4em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul li{font-size:0.875em;line-height:1.75em}}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .detail-icon{height:1em;margin-top:0.6em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul li{font-size:1em;line-height:2.5em}}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .tasty-recipes-label{font-style:italic;color:#b7bbc6;margin-right:0.125em}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .detail-icon{vertical-align:top;margin-right:0.2em;display:inline-block;color:#FFF}.tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .author a{color:inherit;text-decoration:underline}.tasty-recipes-entry-content{padding-top:1.25em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons{margin-bottom:1.25em;margin-left:1.25em;margin-right:1.25em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons:after{content:\’ \’;display:block;clear:both}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-button-wrap{width:50%;display:inline-block;float:left;box-sizing:border-box}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons a{text-transform:uppercase;text-align:center;display:block;color:#fff;background-color:#667;font-size:1em;line-height:1.375em;padding-top:1em;padding-bottom:1em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:0;border:none;border-radius:0;text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-content a img{box-shadow:none;-webkit-box-shadow:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons a:hover{background-color:#979599;text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons img{vertical-align:top}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons .svg-print,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons .svg-pinterest,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons .svg-heart-regular,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-buttons .svg-heart-solid{height:1.25em;margin-right:0.375em;margin-bottom:0;background:none;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-button-wrap:first-child{padding-right:0.625em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-button-wrap:last-child{padding-left:0.625em}}@media only screen and (max-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-button-wrap{width:100%}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-button-wrap:nth-child(2){padding-top:1em}}.tasty-recipes-entry-content h3{text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75em;color:#979599;margin:1.5em 0}.tasty-recipes-ingredients-header,.tasty-recipes-instructions-header{margin:1.5em 0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content h4{font-size:1em;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:1.5em;margin-top:1.5em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content hr{background-color:#eae9eb;border:1px solid #eae9eb;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-description,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-keywords{padding-left:1.25em;padding-right:1.25em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-description h3{display:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-description p{margin-bottom:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ul{list-style-type:none;margin-left:0;margin-bottom:1.5em;padding:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul li,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ul li{margin-bottom:0.625em;list-style-type:none;position:relative;margin-left:1.5em;line-height:1.46}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul li:before,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ul li:before{background-color:#667;-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;height:0.5em;width:0.5em;display:block;content:\’ \’;left:-1.25em;top:0.375em;position:absolute}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ol,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ol{counter-reset:li;margin-left:0;padding:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ol>li,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ol>li{list-style-type:none;position:relative;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1.5em;line-height:1.46}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ol>li:before,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ol>li:before{content:counter(li);counter-increment:li;position:absolute;background-color:#667;-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;height:1.45em;width:1.45em;color:#fff;left:-1.25em;transform:translateX(-50%);line-height:1.5em;font-size:0.6875em;text-align:center;top:0.1875em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients li li,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions li li{margin-top:0.625em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients li ul,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients li ol,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions li ul,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions li ol{margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-equipment{padding-left:1.25em;padding-right:1.25em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipe-video-embed~.tasty-recipes-equipment{padding-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes{padding:1.25em;background-color:#edf0f2}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol{counter-reset:li;margin-left:0;padding:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul{margin-left:0;padding:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol{background-color:#fff;padding-left:1.5625em;padding-right:1.5625em;padding-top:1.25em;padding-bottom:1.25em;margin-bottom:1.5em;position:relative;-webkit-clip-path:polygon(20px 0,100% 0,100% 100%,0 100%,0 20px);clip-path:polygon(20px 0,100% 0,100% 100%,0 100%,0 20px)}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol{margin-left:2em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul li,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol li{padding-left:2.5em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul li,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol li{position:relative;list-style:none;padding-top:1em;margin-left:0;margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p:before,.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul li:before{content:\’i\’;display:block;background-color:#667;-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;height:1.3em;width:1.3em;font-size:0.75em;line-height:1.3em;text-align:center;color:#fff;position:absolute;left:1.167em;top:1.9em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol>li:before{content:counter(li);counter-increment:li;position:absolute;background-color:#667;-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;height:1.45em;width:1.45em;color:#fff;left:2em;transform:translateX(-50%);line-height:1.5em;font-size:0.6875em;text-align:center;top:2em}}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details{background-color:#edf0f2;padding:0 1.25em 1.25em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details ul{color:#667;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;font-size:0.85rem;list-style:none;margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details ul li{margin:0 0.5rem;list-style:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details ul li .tasty-recipes-label{font-style:italic}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details .detail-icon{color:#667;vertical-align:top;margin-right:0.2em;display:inline-block}@media only screen and (max-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details .detail-icon{height:0.8em;margin-top:0.4em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details ul li{font-size:0.875em;line-height:1.75em}}@media only screen and (min-width:520px){.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details .detail-icon{height:1em;margin-top:0.8em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-other-details ul li{font-size:1em;line-height:2.5em}}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-keywords{background-color:#edf0f2;padding-bottom:1em;padding-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-keywords p{font-size:0.7em;font-style:italic;color:#979599;margin-bottom:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-keywords p span{font-weight:bold}.tasty-recipes-nutrifox{text-align:center;margin:0}.nutrifox-label{background-color:#edf0f2}.tasty-recipes-nutrifox iframe{width:100%;display:block;margin:0}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-nutrition{padding:1.25em;color:#667}.tasty-recipes-nutrition .tasty-recipes-label{font-style:italic;color:#b7bbc6;margin-right:0.125em;font-weight:400}.tasty-recipes-nutrition ul li{float:none;display:inline-block;line-height:2em;margin:0 10px 0 0}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer{background-color:#667}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer img,.tasty-recipes-entry-footer svg{color:#FFF}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-entry-footer h3{color:#fff}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer{color:#fff}.tasty-recipes-entry-footer:after{content:\’ \’;display:block;clear:both}/* Print view styles */ .tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipe-video-embed,.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-other-details,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details .detail-icon,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ol li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ul li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ol li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol>li:before,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-footer img{display:none}.tasty-recipes-print-view{font-size:11px;background-color:#fff;line-height:1.5em}.tasty-recipes-print{padding:0}.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes{margin-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-entry-content h3{font-size:1.2em;letter-spacing:0.1em;margin:0 0 10px 0}.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-ingredients-header,.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-instructions-header{margin:0}.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-ingredients,.tasty-recipes-print-view .tasty-recipes-instructions{padding:1.25em}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header{background-color:inherit;color:inherit;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;padding-top:1em;text-align:left}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-image{float:right;transform:none}.tasty-recipes-print.tasty-recipes-has-image .tasty-recipes-entry-header h2{margin-top:0;text-align:left}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header h2{color:inherit;margin-bottom:0.5em}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header hr{display:none}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header span.tasty-recipes-rating{color:#000}.tasty-recipes-entry-header div.tasty-recipes-rating a{text-decoration:none}.tasty-recipes-entry-header div.tasty-recipes-rating p{margin-top:4px}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul{padding:0;clear:none}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-header .tasty-recipes-details ul li{line-height:1.5em;color:#000;margin:0 10px 0 0}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content img{max-width:50%;height:auto}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ol li,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ol li{margin-bottom:0.5em;list-style:decimal;line-height:1.5em}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul li,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-instructions ul li{margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.1;list-style:disc}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes{background:none!important}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul,.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol{background:none!important}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ol li{padding:0;clip-path:none;background:none;line-height:1.5em;list-style:decimal}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes p{padding:0;clip-path:none;background:none;line-height:1.5em}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-notes ul li{padding:0;clip-path:none;background:none;line-height:1.5em;list-style:disc}.tasty-recipes-print .tasty-recipes-source-link{text-align:center}.tasty-recipes-entry-content .tasty-recipes-ingredients ul li[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox]:before{display:none}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode{margin-top:1em}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__label{font-style:italic;color:#667;font-weight:normal}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode__helper{font-size:1em}.tasty-recipes-cook-mode .tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch .tasty-recipes-cook-mode__switch-slider{background-color:#667}

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spaetzle RecipeSpaetzle Recipe

Spaetzle Recipe: Little “Sparrows” from Sudtirol


5 from 2 reviews


  • Author:
    Kathy Bechtel

  • Total Time:
    25 minutes

  • Yield:
    4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Spaetzle, or spätzle, is a rustic pasta most commonly associated with Germany, but is equally prevalent in the Sudtirol region of Italy.


Ingredients


Units


Scale

  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/8 cups (90 ml) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped




Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
    • In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs.
    • Gradually alternate adding the beaten eggs and milk to the flour mixture. Aim for a brownie batter consistency.
    • Adjust the dough with more milk if too stiff or more flour if too wet.
  2. Cooking the Spaetzle:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Use a spaetzle maker, colander, or grater to press about 1/4 of the dough through holes directly into boiling water.
    • Once noodles rise to the top, skim them off with a slotted spoon and transfer to a sheet pan.
    • Repeat the process until all noodles are cooked.
  3. Finishing the Spaetzle:
    • In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
    • Add the cooked spaetzle noodles and stir to coat them in butter.
    • Season with parsley, salt, and pepper.
    • Serve the spaetzle warm as a side dish.

Notes

  • Consistency is key; adjust the dough as needed for the perfect texture.
  • For an added twist, consider adding grated cheese or caramelized onions to the finished spaetzle.
  • Leftover spaetzle can be refrigerated and reheated in a pan with a little butter.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: German Italian

Keywords: Spaetzle Recipe, Homemade German Noodles, Easy Spaetzle, Traditional Spaetzle, Comfort Food, German Cuisine, Quick Side Dish, Egg Noodles, Authentic Spaetzle, Cooking with Nutmeg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can\’t wait to see what you\’ve made!

 

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %

Average Rating

5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *