Green beans and spaetzle come together in a hearty German dish that’s perfect for comfort food lovers. I prepare this recipe by cooking spaetzle until tender, then tossing it with sautéed green beans and a touch of butter.

The result is a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. To achieve the best results, I recommend cooking the spaetzle al dente and blanching the green beans until they’re tender but still crisp.

This dish is a great way to enjoy a traditional German meal at home. By following simple cooking techniques, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness. This green beans and spaetzle recipe is sure to become a favorite comfort food dish. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for green beans and spaetzle

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Green Beans and Spaetzle recipe at home.

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You can find spaetzle at most grocery stores in the international section or make your own using a spaetzle maker. For green beans, look for fresh, crisp beans at your local farmer's market or grocery store. Consider using high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor. Brands like Swanson or Kitchen Basics offer excellent options. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch—you can grow your own or find it at most grocery stores.

If you can't find spaetzle, you can substitute with egg noodles or other short pasta. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. You can also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or sliced carrots to make the dish more colorful. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Store leftover spaetzle and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. You can also freeze cooked spaetzle for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Green Beans and Spaetzle

Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty German-inspired comfort dish that serves 4.

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Spaetzle

Bring the 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the 1 lb of spaetzle and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the spaetzle and set aside, reserving some of the cooking liquid if needed later.

While the spaetzle cooks, start preparing the green beans to maximize efficiency. The reserved cooking liquid can help adjust the sauce consistency later if it becomes too thick.

🍳 Step 2: Sauté the Green Beans

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb of trimmed green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to brown and develop some caramelization. Season with 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp of black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

During the last minute of cooking, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and stir constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of the reserved chicken broth to deglaze and incorporate those flavorful browned bits.

🥘 Step 3: Combine Spaetzle and Green Beans

In the same skillet used for green beans, add 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the cooked spaetzle directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the spaetzle gets coated with the butter and mixes with the green beans and garlic. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Finish by stirring in 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer the combined spaetzle and green beans to a serving dish.

👨‍🍳 Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle 0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous note. If desired, add 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of umami flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting combination of tender spaetzle and perfectly sautéed green beans.

To make this delicious green beans and spaetzle recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, let’s start with the spaetzle. You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix these ingredients together until they form a smooth batter. 🌼

Preparing the Spaetzle 🔪

To create the spaetzle, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use a spaetzle maker or a colander to push the batter through, creating the characteristic small, irregular shapes. Cook the spaetzle for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

Cooking the Green Beans 🥦

In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 pound of fresh green beans, sliced into 1-inch pieces. Cook the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To combine the spaetzle and green beans, simply toss them together in a large bowl. You can also add some crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra flavor and texture. 😋

Adding the Finishing Touches 👨‍🍳

To take this dish to the next level, try adding some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top. The key is to experiment and find the combination that you enjoy the most.

Some other variations to try:

• Adding diced ham or cooked sausage for extra protein
• Using different seasonings, such as garlic or paprika, to give the dish a unique flavor
• Substituting the green beans with other vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli

Tips & Variations for Green Beans and Spaetzle

These expert tips will help you perfect this hearty German comfort dish while exploring delicious variations.

Cooking Spaetzle to Perfection: When cooking spaetzle, make sure to follow the package instructions for the 8-10 minute cooking time. Reserve some of the cooking liquid before draining, as it can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

Sautéing Green Beans: For the best flavor, sauté the green beans over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Adding the garlic in the last minute prevents burning and ensures a fragrant flavor. If the pan gets dry, deglaze with a bit of chicken broth to incorporate those delicious browned bits.

Enhancing Flavor: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can also customize by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even some toasted almonds for extra crunch. The reserved chicken broth can be used to achieve your desired consistency if the mixture seems dry.