German Chicken And Spaetzle Food

CHICKEN PAPRIKASH WITH SPAETZLE

Steps:

• OK let's be Hungarian.
• Firstly we don't call the dumplings "spaetzle" but I can't spell the word that Grandma always used so I've borrowed the German term. (I've since learned how to spell Nokedli.).
• Start by heating the oil in a large pot and browning your chicken parts.
• Remove the chicken and add the butter or margarine to the pot.
• Sauté the onion in the melted butter until transparent.
• Add paprika, chicken, and water, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 45 minutes. (NOTE: I've learned over the years that using a 32 oz box of broth adds a lot of flavor to the dish.).
• Chicken should be very tender and about to fall off bones.
• Remove chicken to bowl.
• Add enough fresh water to pot to bring back to original level.
• Check flavor of broth.
• If flavor is weak add enough bullion to produce a well flavored broth. (SKIP this step if you used broth.).
• Bring broth to boil.
• Combine flour, salt, and pepper with eggs (the more eggs the richer the batter but two is OK) to form a thick batter.
• Now comes the tricky (and boring) part.
• Drop batter in boiling broth in 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon amounts until all batter is in pot and cooked.
• Spaetzle is cooked when it floats on surface.
• You may need to remove some to get it all in the pot.
• With all spaetzle cooked and in pot you now add your sour cream to broth. The amount is individual according to how creamy you wish the sauce to become (and how much water you started with).
• At this point I usually add about three tablespoons of flour mixed with one cup of water to thicken the broth. Sorry I omitted this step in the original submission.
• The sauce and spaetzle is the best part of this dish so be sure to make enough! They will be coming back for seconds on that part of the dish.
• One of the most surprising things about this dish is it actually tastes better the second day. Sooo if you are making it for a special dinner prepare it the day before and simply reheat it one half hour before serving.

SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk the flour with the nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and milk. Gradually mix the milk and eggs into the flour to make a sticky batter.
• Spray both sides of a colander with 1/4-inch-wide holes (see Cook's Note) with cooking spray then spoon the batter into the colander. Hold the colander directly above the pot of boiling water (using an oven mitt if necessary) and working quickly, use a rubber spatula to push the batter through the holes into the water. Simmer until all of the spaetzle float to the surface and are tender, about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Toss the spaetzle with the butter and sprinkle with herbs, if using.

GERMAN DUMPLINGS (SPAETZLE OR KNIFFLES) FOR SOUP OR SAUTE

Steps:

• Mix these together until sticky.
• Drop into bubbling soup or stew, broth or water. (see below for ideas).
• Dumplings will rise to the surface as they cook; remove from liquid with a slotted spoon (if sautéing in another pan); set aside in a bowl (keep warm).
• MAKE THE DUMPLINGS #1: This method results in very small, stringy-ish dumplings and is great for soups or stews. Spoon several tablespoons of batter into a colander, then with the back of the spoon--press the batter through the holes into the bubbling liquid.
• METHOD #2: This method forms larger dumpling pieces (dime & quarter size) and is great for soups or stews, too -- but especially good if you want to saute the dumplings afterwards (more on that in a minute). Using a teaspoon and butter knife, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then use the knife to cut off little dibs and dabs, using the knife to also push the dibs into the hot liquid. If the knife or spoon gets messy, just dip into the hot liquid.
• SERVING IDEAS: We love these in chicken-dumpling soup (use your regular chicken soup recipe -- skip the egg noodles and make these dumplings instead). OR scoop out the larger dumplings (Method #2), and saute in butter or olive oil along with kielbasa or other sausage and LOTS of onion ring slices. OR saute some fresh veggies, then add the dumplings -- heaven!
• VARIATIONS: Add several pinches of your favorite herbs along with the flour to enhance the soup, stew or saute dish.
• Chef's Note: Altho' this is kind of putzy, it is well worth the effort and SO different from regular pasta-noodles.

CHICKEN PAPRIKASH WITH SPAETZLE

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet, saute whole onions in butter until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, saute chopped onions until tender. Set aside. , In a large plastic resealable bag, combine flour and 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika; add chicken, a few pieces at a time and shake to coat. , Place chicken in skillet; brown on all sides. Add the salt, parsley, broth and remaining paprika. Cover and cook over low heat until juices run clear, about 45 minutes. , For spaetzle, in a large bowl, stir the flour, eggs, milk, salt and baking powder until smooth (dough will be sticky). In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Pour dough into a colander or spaetzle maker coated with cooking spray; place over boiling water. , With a wooden spoon, press dough until small pieces drop into boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes or until dumplings are tender and float. Remove with a slotted spoon; toss with butter. , Remove chicken from skillet; set aside. In the same skillet, stir in the sour cream, capers and juice and onions. Return chicken to the skillet and gently heat through. Place spaetzle on a platter and top with chicken. Serve with sauce.

GERMAN SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
• Meanwhile, prepare the spaetzle batter. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt; stir to blend.
• In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of milk with the eggs.
• Add the milk and eggs to the flour mixture and beat with a wooden spoon or whisk until the batter is smooth and elastic. It will have a consistency similar to pancake batter. When you lift the spoon, it shouldn't flow; it should drip from it slowly. If too thick, add some milk, and if too thin, add more flour. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Place your spaetzle maker or another slotted utensil over the simmering water; add some of the spaetzle batter, and press it through the holes and into the gently boiling water. The spaetzle cook quickly, so it's best to cook them in two or more batches depending on the method you use.
• The spaetzle will take from 1 to 3 minutes to cook, depending on their size. The dumplings will float to the top when done.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the spaetzle to a bowl and toss with a teaspoon or two of butter. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• At this point, you may sauté the cooked spaetzle (see below) or refrigerate until it's time to sauté and serve. If you're skipping the sauté step and are serving them immediately, taste and add more salt and butter, as needed, along with the freshly ground black pepper and herbs. Toss and serve hot. Sauté the Spaetzle
• Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until lightly browned.
• Add the spaetzle to the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Sauté the spaetzle, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 7 minutes, or browned as desired. Taste the sauteéd spaetzle and add salt, as needed, along with freshly ground black pepper and fresh herbs. Toss and serve hot.

SPAETZLE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Add eggs and milk; stir to mix well (batter will be thick). In a Dutch oven or large kettle, bring chicken broth to a boil. Drop batter by 1/2 teaspoonfuls into boiling liquid. Boil until spaetzle rise to the surface; remove to ice water. Drain well. In a skillet, heat spaetzle in butter until lightly browned. Serve with schnitzel and gravy or with Parmesan cheese.