Who wants some Spaetzle?

I have been thinking lately where I want to go. I have an itch to travel to some place I haven't been. While there are many (places I haven't been), there is one in particular that I really want to go to: Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest. This year Oktober fest runs from September 20th thru October 5th. I can only imagine how great it would, and might be, to go to a place that celebrates as big as that. From what I have read about it, the sights, the people, and the beer is amazing. But there is another reason why I want to go. I love to eat.

Germans love food almost as much as they love their beer. They have great dishes from Veal Schnitzel, to Kotelette und Sauerkraut (pork chops and sauerkraut), Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). But there is one in particular that I think is wonderful; spaetzle. Spaetzle is great because it is extremely versatile, and very simple to make. It has the same consistency as pasta (because it is essentially the same ingredients), but it goes with just about everything. You can serve spaetzle with a gravy, with meat, vegetables, or even by itself. Add a little butter, Bruder Basil cheese, and a beautiful Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel, and I will be a very happy man.

Here is a basic recipe for Spaetzle, I hope you enjoy.

Yields 10 servings:
10 eggs
2 lbs. unbleached flour
1 to 2 cups milk
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. salt and pepper
pinch of nutmeg
2 tbs butter

Procedure:

1. Mix together the eggs, flour, milk, and oil until smooth
2. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of nutmeg
3. Let the dough rest for 1 hour
4. Boil a large pot of slightly salted water
5. Place about 2 cups of batter at a time in a colander (pasta strainer) and place over the pot of boiling water
6. Push the batter through to holes of the colander into the water. Use a spatula if necessary
7. Poach the spaetzle for 3-5 minutes until it is al dente
8. Using a slotted spoon or strainer, remove from water and chill if not serving immediately.
9. When ready to serve melt butter in a saute pan and saute spaetzle until hot, adjust the seasoning as necessary.

I hope that you find this recipe delicious and easy to execute. Serve it with just about anything you like, it is a great complement to any meal, or all by itself.

Cheers!