Pinzgauer Kasnocken (Pinzgau-Style Cheese Spätzle)
A recipe for Pinzgauer Kasnocken (Pinzgau-Style Cheese Spätzle)! These homemade little dumplings are cooked until tender, then tossed in a skillet with cheese and topped with onions.
Servings 2 -4 Servings
Ingredients
Nockerl:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or water or half milk/half water
To Serve:
- 1 tablespoons (14 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 onion about 50 grams/1.7 ounces, peeled and diced
- salt, freshly ground black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg as desired to taste
- 5 ounces (142 grams) mature Alpine cheese such as Pinzgauer Bierkäse, shredded or cut into small cubes
- Röstzwiebeln fried onions, for serving
- Thinly sliced chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Use a wooden spoon to vigorously mix in the eggs and water/milk to create a thick batter.
- As you are mixing, the dough should become elastic with air bubbles forming as it pulls from the edges.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and allow to rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Place a spaetzle press or large-holed colander over the pot and fill with batter. Slide the press back and forth or use a wooden spoon to press the batter through the holes of the colander to create the dumplings. Cook until the dumplings float to the top. Remove with a strainer, rinse with cold water, and drain.
- In an 8 inch (20 centimeter) cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the cooked dumplings and toss with the butter and onions.
- Fold in the shredded cheese and continue folding until melted and evenly coated. Leave the pan undisturbed for a couple of minutes to create a golden brown crust along the bottom and sides of the dumplings.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with chives and fried onions.