Black Forest Inn, Minneapolis MN

Spaetzle!

spaetzle noodles

What is Spaetzle?
Spaetzle literally means "little sparrows". Spaetzle are originally from the Baden-Württemberg area of Germany. Spaetzle are technically little dumplings, though most people refer to them as noodles. Spaetzle have been called "the potatoes of Württemberg" because they are ubiquitous on the table and in recipes. In many places in Baden-Württemberg a bowl of spaetzle and a salad is considered a meal (many of our customers feel the same way)!

How do you make it?
The thick batter of egg, flour and water is dropped through a sieve and the little squiggles are boiled in water. Alternatively, they can be made of soft dough and cut quickly on a board held over a pot of boiling water. This method is more common in Baden-Württemburg; the sieve method is more common in Bavaria. Sometimes chicken stock or a pinch of tumeric is added to the water give the spaetzle a slightly yellow color; we do not do this.

spaetzle process

Where can I buy it?
Convenient 12 oz boxes of frozen Black Forest Inn Spaetzle are sold at many grocery stores in the Twin Cities, western Wisconsin and Des Moines, Iowa. The box is oven and microwave safe. The noodles heat quickly and make a great accompaniment to any meal! Look for this box the next time you are shopping. If you don’t see it, tell your favorite grocery store how much you’d like to buy our spaetzle there!

spaetzle package

If you would like to order a spaetzle in bulk (ten or fifteen pound bags) or large quantity of spaetzle in boxes (sold in multiples of twelve), please contact us at the restaurant.

What can I do with it?
Try it as a side dish, in a soup, a casserole or a salad. Try some deep fried spaetzle—mmm, tastes like the state fair! Just have a bowl with some butter for a little comfort food! P.S. Kids love it!

 

Here are a few recipes to get you started.
Once you are familiar with our spaetzle, you’ll have dozens of your own favorite ways to enjoy it!

spaetzle salad

 

Recipe for Spaetzle and Lentil Salad

1 Cup Lentils, cooked & cooled
1 Cup Spaetzel, cold
½ Cup Parsley, minced
¼ Cup Pimentos
¼ Cup Lemon-Oil-Garlic Dressing

Mix well.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Enjoy!

Cheesy Spaetzel
12 oz Spaetzel
½ cup Diced onions
2 tbsp Butter
4 oz Shredded Swiss cheese

Melt butter in skillet
Sauté onions until translucent
Add spaetzel and sauté until hot
Add cheese and mix
Serves two.
Try it with a green salad on the side for an easy meal.

Spaetzel and Ham
12 oz Spaetzel
4 tbsp Butter
4 oz Julienne ham
¼ cup Fresh parsley
½ cup Bread crumbs

Melt butter and sauté bread crumbs
Add ham and spaetzel and stir until heated through
Add parsley
Serves two

Spaetzel Sauerkraut Sauté
½ cup Diced onions
1 cup Fresh sauerkraut
2 cups Spaetzel

Sauté onions in butter or margarine until transparent
Add sauerkraut and spaetzel and heat through
Serve with a salad as a light luncheon or serve as an
accompaniment to your favorite entreé.
Serves two.
VARIATIONS: add diced bacon, ham, sausage, green pepper
or any combination of fresh vegetables.