Sweet and Spicy Garlic Kielbasa with Sauteed Herb Spaetzle
Are you craving a dish that’s both sweet and spicy? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Kielbasa with Sauteed Herb Spaetzle. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish combines the smoky and savory flavors of kielbasa with the bold and tangy taste of garlic, all brought together with a touch of sweetness and a kick of spice. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step by step.
Getting Started
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this flavorful dish. You’ll need kielbasa, garlic, honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, olive oil, spaetzle, fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), salt, and pepper. Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step.
Preparing the Kielbasa
To start, we’ll slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking. Once the kielbasa is sliced, we’ll set it aside and move on to the next step.
Making the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, we’ll combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes. This sauce is what gives the kielbasa its sweet and spicy flavor profile. We’ll mix everything together until well combined and set it aside.
Cooking the Kielbasa
In a large skillet, we’ll heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, we’ll add the sliced kielbasa and cook it until it’s browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the kielbasa is cooked, we’ll pour the sweet and spicy garlic sauce over it and stir to coat the meat evenly. We’ll let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Sauteed Herb Spaetzle
While the kielbasa is simmering, we’ll prepare the sauteed herb spaetzle. Spaetzle is a type of German pasta that’s made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and water. We’ll cook the spaetzle according to the package instructions and set it aside.
Sauteeing the Herb Spaetzle
In a separate skillet, we’ll heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, we’ll add the cooked spaetzle and toss it in the oil to coat. We’ll sprinkle some fresh herbs, salt, and pepper over the spaetzle and saute it until it’s golden brown and crispy.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the kielbasa and spaetzle are cooked, we’ll plate them together. The sweet and spicy garlic kielbasa will perfectly complement the savory and herbaceous sauteed spaetzle. This dish is a true delight for the senses, with its tantalizing flavors and enticing aroma.
So, why wait? Try this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Kielbasa with Sauteed Herb Spaetzle recipe today and experience a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as bratwurst or chorizo, to tailor the flavors to your liking.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the kielbasa with vegetarian sausage or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this recipe.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes. For a spicier kick, increase the amount.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using it with the kielbasa.
Q: What other side dishes would pair well with this recipe?
A: This dish goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even mashed potatoes.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free spaetzle or substitute it with rice or quinoa.
Q: Can I add other herbs to the spaetzle?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of the sauteed herb spaetzle.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: While this recipe is traditionally made on the stovetop, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients, including the sauce, kielbasa, and spaetzle, in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Kielbasa with Sauteed Herb Spaetzle
Ingredients
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
- 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- 4 eggs
- 5 cups of water (divided)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of butter
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 2 cloves of minced garlic (or more , according to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 packages (13 ounces each) of kielbasa sausage , sliced into bite-size pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, basil, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Create a well in the center of the mixture.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs and 1 cup of water. Pour the egg mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Stir until well combined; the spaetzle dough will be thick and sticky.
- In a pot over high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water.
- On a cutting board, place the spaetzle dough. Using a sharp knife, slice off small dollops of dough, approximately the size of a pretzel stick. Drop these dough dollops into the boiling water and cook until they float to the top, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked spaetzle to a bowl. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar is melted, which should take about 1 minute. Add the kielbasa and cooked spaetzle to the butter mixture. Stir over medium-high heat until the kielbasa is warmed through, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
