Spatzle Soup
A comforting German-inspired soup featuring tender spatzle dumplings with savory broth, vegetables, and hearty flavors perfect for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, egg, salt, and enough cold water to make a very stiff batter; beat until smooth.
- Drop batter by teaspoons into boiling water.
- Boil until the dumplings rise to the top.
- Drain the dumplings and add them to the chicken broth.
- Stir in diced celery and grated carrot.
- Heat until everything is hot and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. You can substitute the College Inn chicken broth with homemade stock or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. If you want a thicker soup, blend part of the broth with the vegetables before adding the dumplings. Adjust the water in the batter depending on the humidity in your kitchen to achieve the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spatzle Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Breasts And Peppers or Cabbage Borscht for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spatzle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spatzle Soup contains roughly 542 calories, with 10g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Spatzle Soup?
Freezing Spatzle Soup is not recommended due to the texture of the dumplings after thawing. However, you can freeze the broth and dumplings separately. Just reheat them together for a quick meal later.
What can I use instead of flour for the dumplings?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour as a substitute for regular flour in the dumpling batter. The consistency may vary, so adjust the water amount accordingly to achieve a stiff batter.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This typically takes about 2-4 minutes. Once they rise, be sure to drain them quickly to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).