Pistachio Spatzele

When my family was in Park City, Utah, on vacation recently to visit my mother, we had a very special dinner. What made it special was because it was just my mother, my daughter, and myself. That rarely happens because we live in different states.

On our girls’ night out without the guys and the baby, we dined at The Farm, which we’ve been to a few times before, located at The Canyons just outside of Park City. And again it did not fail to please – from the service, to the atmosphere, to the food and wine.

What really got my attention on the menu was a roasted chicken served with a pistachio spatzele, sometimes spelled spaetzle. And it was out of this world! (And I usually don’t order chicken at restaurants.)

I wish I had studied the spazele more, photographed it, something. I don’t even remember if there were pistachios in the pasta dough. I just remember that it was delicious, and that there was a crunch of added pistachios.

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We ate our meals ferociously, as if we had not eaten for days! Our appetites were fueled by the hike earlier in the day, and a few cocktails outside with a gorgeous view of the mountains. But I do regret not inspecting the spazele more.

So now I’m back home and I must try out my own creation for pistachio spatzele. I googled, but came up only with pistachio pestos.

I decided it was also time to try out spatzele using a spatzele maker, instead of the larger, quenelle-shaped variety I typically make using a teaspoon.

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I say they’re quenelle shaped, but really they’re more like rustic blobs.

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So here’s what I did.

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Pistachio Spatzele
Serves 4, generously

1/2 stick/2 ounces unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 ounces ground pistachios
Pinch of salt
1 cup white flour
Chopped pistachios, approximately 1/3 cup, or to taste

To begin, make the garlic butter for the spatzele by gently melting the butter in a skillet large enough to hold all of the spatzele. Add the garlic, stir, and then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

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To make the pistachio batter, combine the cream, eggs, pistachios and salt in a large bowl. Whisk well.

Before completing the batter, begin heating a large pot of water on the stove. I added a little salt to the water.

Add the flour to the batter until just combined. It should be drippy, but not thin.

Place the spatzele gadget over the pot of boiling water, and have the batter next to the pot with a large spoon for scooping. Also have a spider sieve on hand, and a clean dish towel to help remove some of the water. Also have the skillet with the garlic butter nearby.

Begin by scooping a good amount of the batter into the top part of the spatzele gadget that moves over the part that looks like a cheese grater. Then slowly move it back and forth. I did this two times and then stopped, so that all of the spazele could cook the same amount of time.

Fortunately the sliding part doesn’t get hot, but the cheese grater part does. It’s a little awkward to use because a hot pad is required. I recommend that you remove the spazele maker from on top of the pot because the boiling water cooks the batter on it.

Once the spatzele have cooked about one minute, remove them from the water and place the sieve on the towel to drain a bit.

Then gently toss the spatzele into the garlic butter and continue with the remaining batter. Stir the spatzele gently and add the chopped pistachios.

Today I served the spatzele with peppered pork tenderloin, and it was fabulous.

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I also added a little pistachio “dust” for some color.

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I honestly don’t think the pistachios in the batter did much for the flavor but overall these were probably the best spazele I’ve ever eaten!

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I also thought the spazele themselves would be greener, but that’s okay!

I will definitely make these again!!!

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By Published On: August 31st, 201571 Comments on Pistachio Spatzele

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

71 Comments

  1. Amanda | What's Cooking August 31, 2015 at 7:07 AM - Reply

    I love that you made this with pistachios! I didn’t realize there were devices for making spazele. I was thinking of trying out the collander method.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 8:29 AM - Reply

      It actually worked really well! Just a little awkward. But then, I was also trying to take photos…

  2. safifer August 31, 2015 at 7:14 AM - Reply

    Love pistachios–thank you for sharing this recreation and your experience with the spaetzel maker.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 8:29 AM - Reply

      The gadget worked better than I anticipated!

      • safifer August 31, 2015 at 12:31 PM

        That’s good to know–lots of gadgets are seductive–until you really try them out.

  3. Lynz Real Cooking August 31, 2015 at 7:49 AM - Reply

    What a wonderful time for you three gals! This sounds very yummy! Love your pictures and the end product!

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 8:28 AM - Reply

      Thanks so much!

      • Lynz Real Cooking August 31, 2015 at 8:32 AM

        Love the story and how you described your visit and the food!

      • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 9:38 AM

        Thank you! I take dining out very seriously! especially since there are no really good restaurants where I live. We travel just to eat!!!

      • Lynz Real Cooking August 31, 2015 at 9:39 AM

        ha ha yes!

  4. Chef Amy at Remke Markets August 31, 2015 at 8:01 AM - Reply

    Yummy Mimi I love the idea of the pistachio’s…yum!! :)

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 8:28 AM - Reply

      Thank you! They were really a wonderful addition!

  5. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso August 31, 2015 at 9:03 AM - Reply

    In a restaurant I once worked we had a different type of spazele every few days – yet this one with pistachios is new to me! I love the idea! :)

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 9:37 AM - Reply

      Thanks! Wish I could remember if this was in any way close the the restaurant version, but there was too much wine forced on me that evening! But my version was definitely tasty. Next time I probably won’t use as much garlic – I want to taste the pistachio flavor more.

  6. apuginthekitchen August 31, 2015 at 9:09 AM - Reply

    I need to try making spaetzle, never did before but I love it. Your recipe sounds really good, love the pistachio addition. I don’t have a special device for making it, can’t believe I don’t I have every other kitchen gadget known to man. Will have to get one and try this out.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 9:36 AM - Reply

      If you check out my other spazele post on the blog, you’ll see how easy it is. You just use a teaspoon, and dip in the boiling water. They’re just as good, of course, just a different size! I know what you mean about gadgets. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago just for this recipe re-creation, and went to put it away in a drawer, and there was one already. I have no memory of getting the first one. shameful, really!

      • apuginthekitchen August 31, 2015 at 9:38 AM

        I have done the same thing forgotten I have a gadget and bought one. I will look at the prior post thanks Mimi.

  7. Mary Frances August 31, 2015 at 9:28 AM - Reply

    I just bought a spazele maker this weekend. This is just what I was looking for and pistachios are my favorite! Thanks for sharing this, Mimi.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 9:34 AM - Reply

      Oh great!!! It works really well, and the spazele turned out fabulous. I still like the big blobby spazele though, too!

  8. il Teo August 31, 2015 at 9:34 AM - Reply

    Comfort food from my hometown, I miss having them a lot. I’m definitely getting the tool to make them next time I’ll go visit my parents!

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 11:09 AM - Reply

      You’re from Germany?

      • il Teo August 31, 2015 at 11:11 AM

        North East Italy (near the border to Austria). We have spätzle as well! :)

      • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 11:14 AM

        Oh of course! My mother is from north-eastern France, and her father was Alsatian, so she always made them, too! Now I need to re-read your bio, cause I didn’t remember this fact about you. That is such a beautiful area of Italy.

  9. David Scott Allen August 31, 2015 at 9:51 AM - Reply

    We were just talking about spaetzle at work, and I shared my generic recipe. This pistachio version looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it!

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 10:04 AM - Reply

      Can you imagine hazelnut spazele? wow.

  10. Gerlinde de Broekert August 31, 2015 at 11:41 AM - Reply

    Hi Mimi, I have the same Spätzle devise but it doesn’t work that well for me. I have to try it again. I love your idea to add pistachio nuts.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 1:55 PM - Reply

      hmmm I think I got mine through Williams-Sonoma. Does the top part just not slide well?

  11. cookingwithauntjuju.com August 31, 2015 at 12:14 PM - Reply

    I love spatzle and make it every Fall with good German sauerbraten, red cabbage and the works! I will have to try your version with the pistachios – I bet the flavor is really great. I made a crust using pistachios for a dessert and it was delicious!

  12. love in the kitchen August 31, 2015 at 12:20 PM - Reply

    Goodness – I love those rustic blobs! Pistachio spaetzle is a genius idea. Fabulous that you recreated this. Love the photographs and I’ve got a serious case of envy going on for your china. SO beautiful!

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:16 AM - Reply

      Thank you! Now I’m thinking hazelnut spazele…

  13. Ginger August 31, 2015 at 1:29 PM - Reply

    Wow – what an amazing idea! I love the idea of adding nuts, so you’ve really got me thinking!
    I’d keep the batter more on the liquid side, almost like pancake batter, which will give you longer, less blobby Spätzle :-)

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:17 AM - Reply

      In one of the photos you can see that the batter is like pancake batter. The blobs are blobs because I use a teaspoon. You just can’t overcook them, or they would be tough blobs!

      • Ginger September 1, 2015 at 11:35 AM

        It might just be my laziness, but I make the batter much more runny when using the grater, so that it almost drips through the holes by itself – as a result the Spätzle end up longer and thinner, almost as if you’d cut them the traditional way. And I don’t have to work quite so hard … ;-)

      • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:38 AM

        my batter was actually running through the holes, which is another reason i had to remove the gadget from on top of the pot. I really should have watched a you tube video on using the gadget, though, because now that I think of it, maybe i moved the thing back and forth too fast. i’ll try again soon

      • Ginger September 1, 2015 at 11:45 AM

        It takes a bit to get used to it and to adjust your batter accordingly. Spätzle can be a little tricky that way! I’ll definitely be looking into adding nuts to mine soon – I’ll keep you posted!

      • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:49 AM

        Great! I grew up on spazele because my mother is French and her father was Alsatian, and I love them the traditional way, but I love to play with the batter, adding pesto or pumpkin or sweet potato. it’s just fun. I’ll practice again with the gadget. thanks for the suggestion!

      • Ginger September 1, 2015 at 12:06 PM

        Good luck with it! :-)

  14. Linda August 31, 2015 at 2:23 PM - Reply

    Great idea! I love cooking with pistachios :)

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 3:07 PM - Reply

      They’re just so pretty, aren’t they?!!

  15. cheergerm August 31, 2015 at 3:42 PM - Reply

    What a special dining experience, just the laydeez. The addition of pistach to the spaetzle is a fab idea.

    • chef mimi August 31, 2015 at 3:48 PM - Reply

      Isn’t it?!! I want to make spazele with hazelnuts now. and maybe some blue cheese…

  16. thepaddingtonfoodie August 31, 2015 at 6:11 PM - Reply

    You know delicious ad they are I’ve never tried making spatzele before – my mother used to make them with a teaspoon and I’ve always thought the process was just a little too time consuming. Who knew there was such a thing as a spatzele maker? Brilliant. Is there such a thing as spatzele gadget envy?

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:18 AM - Reply

      absolutely there is! But I’ve always used a teaspoon, and it works great!

  17. Bowl Me Over (@Bowl_Me_Over) August 31, 2015 at 8:47 PM - Reply

    Getting close to pistachio season here in the valley, I’d love to give this a try!

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:19 AM - Reply

      ah, pistachio season. that sounds so lovely. i guess i should be happy that we have pecans where I live…

  18. lapetitepaniere September 1, 2015 at 5:05 AM - Reply

    This Pistachio Spazele looks so good Mimi. I have always a jar of pistachio at home! :)

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 11:19 AM - Reply

      I’m like you – I put them in everything

  19. chefceaser September 1, 2015 at 5:26 AM - Reply

    Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.

  20. the Painted Apron September 1, 2015 at 9:37 AM - Reply

    What a unique recipe! Aren’t you industrious making spazele! I have been using pistachios a lot lately now that they’re available shelled, they add so much to anything!
    Jenna

    • chef mimi September 1, 2015 at 10:53 AM - Reply

      I just love spazele – my French mother always made them the traditional way, but I like to add stuff to them like pumpkin or pesto. It’s true what you said about pistachios. You made me remember the days they weren’t available shelled, and when I needed them for a catering job my fingers would practically be bleeding!

  21. The Healthy Epicurean September 1, 2015 at 2:07 PM - Reply

    Love the sound of these spazele – my husband makes something similar and serves with jam… Delicious!

  22. onceuponarecipe September 2, 2015 at 5:03 PM - Reply

    I love spaetzle but have never tried making it myself. Your pistachio version sounds lovely!

    • chef mimi September 2, 2015 at 6:14 PM - Reply

      Oh it’s so easy! I going to try it wish hazelnuts next!

  23. Abbe Odenwalder September 2, 2015 at 9:55 PM - Reply

    I have never made spaetzle and don’t have the tool. However this looks so divine, that I just might have to get one!

    • chef mimi September 2, 2015 at 9:56 PM - Reply

      Nah – seriously all you need is a teaspoon!

  24. dianeskitchentable September 3, 2015 at 6:17 PM - Reply

    Wow – leave it to you to figure this one out! My hat’s off to you Mimi. These sound too good to be true and I know my husband will love them. I don’t have one of those gadgets which I’m sure would make the process easier but in the past I’ve made them by just plopping them in the water.

    • chef mimi September 3, 2015 at 7:13 PM - Reply

      nope – that’s all you need! Just a teaspoon!

  25. hotlyspiced September 4, 2015 at 2:02 AM - Reply

    Your plate is gorgeous and how special to have that time with your family. I’m really impressed you were able to recreate the spazele. I do love the flavour of pistachios xx

    • chef mimi September 4, 2015 at 8:29 AM - Reply

      Thank you Charlie! That’s such a compliment!

  26. anotherfoodieblogger September 6, 2015 at 1:54 PM - Reply

    Yumm, I like your idea of the hazelnut and blue cheese, too!

  27. camparigirl September 6, 2015 at 3:08 PM - Reply

    I also use the colander for spaetzle, like one of the other readers. I swore that next time I am in Germany I will buy a spaetzle maker.

  28. The Hungry Mum September 13, 2015 at 2:00 AM - Reply

    If you could arrange a home delivery of this I can pay you in cake ;) #please

  29. Gastronoming (@gastronomingorg) September 20, 2015 at 7:12 AM - Reply

    Nice recipe!

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