Pasta & rice main dishes

Spätzle dumplings with pumpkin and herbs

⏱ 30 min🍳 3 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Spätzle are an unusual and refined vegetarian dish. Normally, spätzle - long, narrow dumplings or noodles made with a special kitchen utensil - are made with just flour and eggs, or with the addition of a little spinach in the dough. In this seasonal version, spätzle are made with pumpkin so that they take on the vibrant colour and sweet taste that goes so well with a simple dressing of butter and cheese. Try this dish if you want to disguise the presence of vegetables for those who don’t usually eat them ... they will be pleasantly surprised!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving

Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
3 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Cook the pumpkin in milk, chop the herbs, then drain the pumpkin and let it dry in the pan, before mashing it up to make a puree. Add the egg yolks, chopped herbs and flour. Mix together until smooth, adding a little cooking water to keep it quite soft and sticky. You’ll now need a special utensil for making spätzle. Boil some salted water, make the spätzle with the appropriate utensil, drain and toss with butter and parmesan cheese or with the pumpkin sauce that you made with the milk.

Tips
You can indulge yourself by mixing into the basic recipe various vegetables or spices
Trivia
The dough for spätzle is "squeezed" into the water by an instrument that resembles a potato masher: in this way you get a thread-like, slightly elongated dumpling.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Herb Pumpkin Spatzle with Parmesan

A tasty variation of pumpkin spatzle can be prepared by adding grated Parmesan to the dough. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also gives it a creamier texture and an unmistakable aroma. To make this version, simply incorporate the Parmesan along with the other ingredients, such as egg yolks and flour, creating a homogeneous mixture. The pumpkin spatzle with Parmesan can be served with a simple dressing of melted butter and sage, or paired with meat sauces for a heartier meal. This variation is ideal for those who love intense flavors and desire a dish rich in taste. Additionally, the added Parmesan also provides calcium and protein, making the dish even more nutritious.

Herb Pumpkin Spatzle from Trentino

In Trentino Alto Adige, the culinary tradition includes regional variations of pumpkin spatzle that are reflected in the preparation methods and ingredients. The Trentino pumpkin spatzle may include local aromatic herbs such as thyme and oregano, making the dish even more fragrant. Furthermore, the cooking of the spatzle can take place in salted water flavored with vegetable broth, further enhancing the flavor of the pumpkin. This preparation is often accompanied by a porcini mushroom sauce, typical of the area, which completes the dish with an earthy and enveloping note. The Trentino pumpkin spatzle represent a perfect example of how regional cuisine can reinterpret traditional recipes while keeping the gastronomic traditions of the territory alive.

Light Herb Pumpkin Spatzle without Butter

For those seeking a lighter version of pumpkin spatzle, this recipe can be prepared without butter. By replacing the butter with a drizzle of olive oil, a healthier dish is achieved while still maintaining the goodness of the ingredients. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the amount of flour, using alternative flours such as whole wheat, which provides more fiber and nutrients. This light variation is perfect for those following a controlled diet without sacrificing flavor. The light pumpkin spatzle can be accompanied by a fresh tomato sauce or a basil pesto for a fresh and light meal. This way, a delicious and nutritious dish is obtained, ideal for those who wish to eat healthily without compromising on taste.

Herb Pumpkin Spatzle: Benefits of Pumpkin and Calories

Pumpkin, the main ingredient of pumpkin spatzle, is a food rich in health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support the immune system and skin health. Additionally, pumpkin is low in calories, with about 26 calories per 100 grams, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Thanks to its high water and fiber content, pumpkin promotes digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Pumpkin spatzle are not only a delicious dish but can also be a healthy addition to one's diet. Choosing to prepare this dish means opting for a balanced diet, rich in nutrients and low in calories.

Can pumpkin spatzle be frozen?

Yes, pumpkin spatzle can be frozen. To do this, it is advisable to prepare them and let them cool completely before placing them on a tray in a single layer. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container. This way, they avoid sticking together. When you wish to consume them, simply cook them directly in boiling water without thawing, as freezing does not affect their texture. This method is ideal for always having a ready and tasty dish available, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.