How to Make Authentic Spätzle with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese

Simple Summary

Spätzle with Caramelized Onions and Cheese is a comforting German dish that combines homemade egg noodles with sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese for a delicious, hearty meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and nutmeg.

2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk until well combined.

3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms. Let rest for 30 minutes.

4. While the batter rests, caramelize the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

6. Place the spätzle batter in a spätzle maker or a colander with large holes. Hold it over the boiling water and press the batter through the holes into the water.

7. Cook the spätzle for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

8. Drain the cooled spätzle well.

9. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the drained spätzle and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

10. Add the caramelized onions to the skillet with the spätzle and toss to combine.

11. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Chef's Notes

• If you don't have a spätzle maker, you can use a colander with large holes or a cheese grater to create the noodles.
• For a quicker version, you can use store-bought dried spätzle, but homemade is always best for texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Emmentaler or aged cheddar for variety.
• Leftover spätzle can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter for best results.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 550 calories. This dish is rich in protein from the eggs and cheese, and provides complex carbohydrates from the flour. The caramelized onions add a good dose of antioxidants and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spätzle as a main course with a side of crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also pairs well with grilled sausages or roasted chicken for a traditional German-inspired meal. For beverages, consider a crisp Riesling or a light German lager to complement the flavors. Present the dish in a large, rustic serving bowl for a family-style meal, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color.