Linsen mit Spätzle

One of the staples of traditional Swabian cuisine, linsen mit spätzle combines a thick and creamy stew of brown lentils (linsen) with soft egg noodles (spätzle). Lentils are braised with bacon and vegetables and then simmered until soft and fully cooked in meat or vegetable broth, which is usually thickened with roux. The broth is typically enhanced with tomato paste and seasoned with vinegar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm and filling, the lentil stew is then transferred to a plate of boiled spätzle noodles, and it is usually enjoyed with a side of saitenwurst sausages (German string sausages) and a cold beer. This hearty combination makes a frequent appearance in restaurants and university cafeterias in the region, but it is also a beloved home-cooked dish in numerous Swabian households.