Grandpa Joe's
Späetzle

Späetzle is a classic German noodle that traditionally accompanies a wide range of meat dishes, particularly (in my not so humble opinion), Schweine (Pork) Schnitzel.

About this recipe

Most German grandmothers made späetzle without the aid of any "clever" devices.  I'm not that talented.  With some help from German relatives (by marriage), I procured a späetzle maker many years ago.  I found an acceptable (and reasonably priced) device for your consideration at (where else?) Amazon.com.  In spite of the need for a späetzle maker, this is one of the easiest recipes in my collection.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • water
  • kosher salt

Directions

  1. Place the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade on a scale and tare the weight to zero.
  2. Break the eggs into the bowl and then add water until the total weight of the eggs and water reaches 14 ounces.
  3. Weigh the flour separately and then add it and the salt to the food processor bowl.  Pulse several times to form a dough. 
  4. Knead the dough by running the food processor at low speed for about thirty seconds.
  5. Bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. 
  6. Fill a Spaetzle Form (available commercially) with dough and press the dough through the Form into the boiling  water. 
  7. When the noodles float to the surface (usually about one minute), remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
  8. Repeat the process until all the dough has been cooked.
Posted: August 2014.