Spätzle with sauce, vegetables, and meat

Spätzle with sauce, vegetables, and meat: A beloved delicacy for everyone

If you're looking for a pasta recipe that brings a touch of originality to your plate, you're in the right place! Spätzle, these German noodles, are delicious and versatile, and when combined with a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and meat, they become an unforgettable meal. Get ready to discover how to prepare them step by step, with useful tips and little secrets that will help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A brief story about Spätzle

Spätzle comes from the culinary tradition of Central Europe and is a type of pasta known for its soft and fluffy texture. Over time, spätzle has gained popularity due to its versatility. This recipe invites you to prepare them in a delicious combination, enriched with meat and vegetable sauce, which will surely become your favorite.

Ingredients

- 350-400 g spätzle
- 450 g mixed ground meat (beef and pork)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1/2 zucchini
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh or dried basil, to preference
- 500 ml tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

Step by step: Preparing spätzle with sauce, vegetables, and meat

Step 1: Preparing spätzle

Start by boiling the spätzle according to the instructions on the package. Usually, they require about 15 minutes in salted water. Make sure the water is well salted, as this will contribute to the flavor of the pasta. Once done, drain them in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

In the meantime, wash and peel the vegetables. Cut the onion and bell pepper into small cubes, and grate the carrot and zucchini. This step will not only add texture but will also help integrate the flavors into the final sauce.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables

In a wok or large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and zucchini. Let them sauté together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft.

Step 4: Adding the meat

Add the ground meat to the wok. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the meat, stirring frequently, until it browns evenly. It's important not to overcrowd the pan to allow the meat to fry well.

Step 5: Creating the sauce

Once the meat is well browned, add the tomato sauce, minced garlic, and teaspoon of sugar. The sugar will balance the acidity of the tomatoes, bringing a harmonious taste. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Finally, add the basil and mix again.

Step 6: Finalizing the dish

After the sauce has simmered and thickened, add the drained spätzle to the wok and mix well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Let them warm together for a few minutes.

Delicious serving

Serve the spätzle hot, straight from the wok, to enjoy the intense aroma of the sauce. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or grated parmesan for an extra touch of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a seasonal salad or a cold drink, such as a dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade with mint.

Useful tips

- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as pumpkin or mushrooms, depending on the season. You can also substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last up to 3 days. They can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or oil to prevent sticking.
- Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in protein due to the meat and contains a variety of vegetables, providing a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals. Spätzle are a source of complex carbohydrates, which will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use homemade spätzle?
Absolutely! Homemade spätzle add extra flavor and texture. If you want, you can find simple recipes online to make them.

2. What alternative sauces can I use?
You can try a cheese sauce or a sour cream sauce with herbs, which goes wonderfully with spätzle.

3. Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
With a total time of 50 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

So, don't hesitate any longer! Gather the ingredients and prepare this delicious recipe for spätzle with sauce, vegetables, and meat. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to create a tasty meal and impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your meal!