Quark Spatzle With Cheese Recipes

QUARK SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about 1 tsp salt.
• While water is coming up to boil, make batter. Whisk the quark and eggs together in a large bowl. Mix in the salt and nutmeg. Gently stir in the flour until smooth (start with 1 1/2 cups and add more if necessary - batter should be fairly wet).
• Working with half of the batter at a time, push the batter through the holes of a colander (or spätzle maker) into the boiling water.
• Stir and cook until the water returns to a simmer, about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
• Using a skimmer or a large slotted spoon, transfer the spätzle to another colander. Run cold water over them to stop the cooking. Set aside and once the water has returned to a boil, repeat with the rest of the dough.
• Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add butter, melt, and then add the onions.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5-8 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
• Raise the heat to medium-high and add the spätzle.
• Fry, stirring frequently, until the spätzle begin to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
• Season with more fresh grated nutmeg and black pepper, to taste.
• Remove pan from heat and add the cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

QUARK SPATZLE WITH CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the spätzle: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it until it tastes like sea water (about 2 teaspoons per quart). Whisk the quark, eggs, and yolks together in a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to stir in the flour until smooth. Season with the salt, nutmeg, and white pepper.
• 2. Using half of the spätzle dough at a time and working quickly, push the dough through the holes of a colander (or spätzle maker) into the boiling water. Stir the spätzle and cook until the water returns to a simmer, about 1 minute. Then, using a skimmer or a large slotted spoon, transfer the spätzle to another colander. Run cold water over the spätzle to stop them from cooking further. Set that batch of spätzle aside. When the water returns to a boil, make the rest of the spätzle, repeating the procedure.
• 3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the butter and then the onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and light brown, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until tender, another 2 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the spätzle. Fry, stirring frequently, until the spätzle begin to turn golden, about 10 minutes. Season with the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• 4. Add the cheese and fry, stirring, until it begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the beef stock and cook, stirring often, until it is absorbed. Add more stock until a thick, soupy consistency is achieved.
• 5. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and fry until they are brown and slightly crisp.
• 6. Serve immediately, garnished with the fried shallots and chives.
• Note: Hoch Ybrig is made in Zurich from cow's milk. It is a buttery, nutty, pungent cheese, similar in flavor to Gruyère. It is available at specialty cheese stores.

QUARK (HOMEMADE CHEESE)

Steps:

• Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan; remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Whisk buttermilk into milk; let sit at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight. Strain mixture through cheesecloth over a bowl in the refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight.