Homemade Alpine Delight: Cheesy Spatzle Tirolesi

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups (200g) grated Emmental cheese 2 cups (200g) grated Emmental cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Crispy fried onions, for garnish Crispy fried onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 19g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg until a smooth batter forms.
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spatzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the batter through into the boiling water, creating small dumplings.
3. 3.
   Cook the spatzle for about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander to drain.
4. 4.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Emmental cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spatzle to the skillet and gently toss until they are coated evenly with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Cheesy Spatzle Tirolesi hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crispy fried onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Emmental cheese — For the best results, use freshly grated Emmental cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It will melt more smoothly and provide a better texture to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly cooked spatzle, make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the batter.
• For a twist, add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
• If you don't have a spatzle maker, you can use a colander with large holes or even a slotted spoon to create the dumplings.

Serving advice

Serve the Cheesy Spatzle Tirolesi as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing Austrian lager.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, transfer the Cheesy Spatzle Tirolesi to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley and crispy fried onions. The vibrant green herbs and golden onions will add visual appeal to the dish.