spaetzle

[ shpet-sluh, -suhl, -slee ]

noun

1. a dish consisting of lumps or threads made from a batter of flour, milk, eggs, and salt, usually poured through a coarse colander into boiling water, and then either drained and mixed in butter, lightly pan-fried, or added to sauces, stews, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaetzle¹

< German (dial.) Spätzle, diminutive of Spatz dumpling, sparrow, Middle High German, derivative of spar sparrow

Example Sentences

Radium is known for its German-Austrian cuisine, so while you’re here, you might want to try out some schnitzel and spaetzle.

From Seattle Times

Hans’ stocks German honey and marmalade, with some French preserves ecumenically included, above shelves of mixes for potato dumplings, rösti, spaetzle.

From Seattle Times

An impressive pork chop served with green garlic spaetzle, and the dry-aged bone-in rib-eye big enough to feed four, both come from Moses Lake.

From Seattle Times

Ulrich Gellar, an Ostelsheim retiree, beamed at Mr. Alshebl’s enjoyment of spaetzle, a cheesy noodle dish, and maultaschen, the local dumplings.

From New York Times

Spaetzle is my favorite foil, but I prefer to serve it on the side rather than fully mixed-in, which would be more traditional.

From Washington Post