Green spaetzle with fresh tomato sauce

Recipe: Green Spaetzle with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Green spaetzle with fresh tomato sauce is a delicious and colorful dish, perfect for bringing a touch of freshness to your meals. This simple and quick recipe combines the fluffy texture of the spaetzle with the intense flavor of the tomato sauce, creating a dish that will delight any foodie. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Ingredients for spaetzle:
- 4 tablespoons of cooked green leaves (you can use spinach, nettles, or parsley)
- 4 eggs
- 200 ml of milk
- 250 g of flour
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper (optional)

Ingredients for the tomato sauce:
- 500 g of fresh tomatoes (ideally choose ripe and juicy ones)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil (optional)

Preparing the spaetzle:
1. Start by boiling the green leaves in salted water for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and quickly cool them in a bowl of cold water to retain their vibrant color.
2. Place the cooked leaves in a food processor and blend until you get a fine paste. Add the eggs and milk, continuing to mix. This combination will create a soft and manageable dough.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour with salt and pepper. Gradually add the leaf and egg mixture, mixing well until you have a smooth dough. Make sure there are no lumps.
4. Boil water in a large pot and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, use a special spaetzle grater or a large sieve to let the dough fall into the water. Depending on the size of the spaetzle you want, you can adjust the thickness of the dough.
5. If using a sieve, place a portion of dough on the sieve and press down with a spatula to let it fall into the water. Cook the spaetzle for 2-3 minutes or until they rise to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Preparing the tomato sauce:
1. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, then add the crushed garlic. Cook for a few minutes, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a smoother sauce, you can use a blender to puree it slightly.
3. Finally, you can add fresh basil, which will add an extra flavor.

Serving:
To serve the green spaetzle with tomato sauce, place a portion of spaetzle on each plate, then add the tomato sauce on top. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for an elegant look.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can replace fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes for a quicker option.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, add some spices like oregano or chili to the tomato sauce.
- The spaetzle can also be served topped with grated cheese for an extra flavor.

This dish is not only tasty but also full of color and nutrients. Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or a glass of white wine for a perfect meal!