Eiernockerl

Eiernockerl is a traditional Austrian dish, primarily known for its simplicity and rich flavor. It is a popular meal in Austria and parts of Bavaria, often enjoyed as a comfort food. The dish consists of small, fluffy dumplings made from eggs (eggs), flour, and sometimes a bit of milk or water. These dumplings are then lightly sautéed in butter and typically served with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère. Eiernockerl is not only a testament to the Austrian knack for creating hearty, satisfying dishes from simple ingredients but also reflects the country's culinary tradition of utilizing eggs in various forms.

Ingredients and Preparation

The basic ingredients for Eiernockerl include:

• Eggs
• Flour
• Milk or water (optional)
• Salt
• Butter for sautéing
• Grated cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, or similar)

To prepare Eiernockerl, the eggs are first beaten and mixed with flour, a pinch of salt, and a little milk or water to form a smooth, thick batter. The consistency of the batter is crucial; it should be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to be spooned or piped into boiling water. Small portions of the batter are then dropped into salted, boiling water to cook until they rise to the surface, indicating they are done. Once cooked, the dumplings are drained and then sautéed in butter until they are golden brown. Finally, the Eiernockerl is served hot, topped with grated cheese, which melts beautifully over the warm dumplings.

Cultural Significance

Eiernockerl holds a special place in Austrian cuisine, often associated with home cooking and family meals. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, complementing meats such as pork or chicken. In addition to its culinary importance, Eiernockerl also carries cultural significance, being a dish that is passed down through generations, with each family having its own variation or secret ingredient that makes their recipe unique.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Eiernockerl is quite straightforward, there are several regional variations that incorporate additional ingredients or serve the dumplings with different accompaniments. For example, in some areas, it is common to add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to the batter for extra flavor. Others might serve the Eiernockerl with a side of salad or topped with crispy fried onions.

See Also

• Austrian cuisine
• Dumpling
• Comfort food