Maultaschen
Cuisine: German Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Flour
2 cups (240)
Eggs
2 pieces (100)
Ground Meat
1 pound (454)
Spinach
2 cups (240)
Bread Crumbs
1 cup (120)
Onion
1 piece (100)
Garlic
2 cloves (10)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (5)
Milk
1 cup (240)
Butter
2 tablespoons (28)
Totals
56 oz
(1,575 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Flour
364
Eggs
72
Spinach
23
Ground Meat
250
Onion
44
Bread Crumbs
60
Milk
60
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Nutmeg
0
Butter
102
Vegetable Oil
120
Water
0
Beef Broth
15
Totals
1,110 kcal
Steps
1. Start by preparing the dough for the Maultaschen. Combine flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.
2. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
3. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling for the Maultaschen. Traditionally, the filling consists of ground meat (such as pork or beef), spinach, onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Cook the meat, spinach, onions, and garlic together until the meat is browned and the spinach is wilted.
4. Once the filling is cooked, transfer it to a food processor and blend until it forms a fine mixture. Add breadcrumbs to the mixture and blend again until well combined. The breadcrumbs help bind the filling together.
5. After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Cut the rolled-out dough into square or rectangular shapes, approximately 3-4 inches in size.
6. Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto each dough square, leaving enough space around the edges to seal them.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a triangle or rectangle shape, and press the edges firmly to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
8. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the Maultaschen into the boiling water and cook them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as they may stick together.
9. Once the Maultaschen are cooked, remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.
10. Maultaschen can be enjoyed in various ways. One popular method is to serve them in a flavorful broth, such as beef or vegetable broth. Another option is to pan-fry them in butter until they develop a crispy exterior.
11. Garnish the Maultaschen with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and serve them hot.
12. Enjoy your homemade Maultaschen as a delicious German dish!
Substitutions
- For the Maultaschen dough:
- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in the same quantity.
- Adjust the amount of water accordingly to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- For the Maultaschen filling:
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork in equal amounts.
- Replace spinach with Swiss chard or kale, using the same quantity.
- If you don't have onions, you can use shallots or leeks as a substitute.
- Instead of garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko can be used as an alternative.
- For the Maultaschen broth:
- If you don't have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute.
- Adjust the seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences.
- For the Maultaschen garnish:
- If you don't have chives, you can use finely chopped green onions or parsley as a substitute.
Note: The quantities for substitutes will depend on the original recipe, so it's recommended to refer to the recipe for specific measurements. Adjustments in the cooking time may be necessary based on the substitutions made.
Pairings
- Sauerkraut and mustard
- Potato salad
- Egg noodles with butter
- Creamy mushroom sauce
- Sautéed spinach
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Caramelized onions
- German beer or Riesling wine
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the Maultaschen with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a vibrant sauce, such as a beet reduction or truffle-infused oil, on the plate for an elegant touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a crunchy element by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts over the Maultaschen.
- Enhance the flavor by incorporating a hint of smoked paprika or truffle salt into the filling.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality meats like wagyu beef or Iberico pork for the filling to add richness and depth of flavor.
- Replace the traditional spinach with delicate baby spinach leaves or even truffle-infused spinach for a luxurious twist.
Remember, these suggestions are meant to enhance the dish, but feel free to adapt them to your personal taste and preferences. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Reduce the amount of fat by using lean meats or tofu instead of fatty meats in the filling.
- Substitute refined flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for the dough to make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Increase the vegetable content in the filling by adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use low-sodium broth or homemade broth to reduce the sodium content in the dish.
- Opt for baking or steaming the maultaschen instead of frying to lower the overall calorie and fat content.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, replace dairy-based ingredients like milk or cheese with lactose-free alternatives or plant-based alternatives like almond milk or vegan cheese.
- Adjust the portion size to manage calorie intake for those watching their weight or following a calorie-restricted diet.
- For individuals with diabetes, choose whole grain dough and control the amount of carbohydrates in the filling by using less starchy ingredients like potatoes.
- Add herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, or paprika to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy seasonings.
- Lastly, consider personal preferences and dietary restrictions when choosing the filling ingredients, such as vegetarian or vegan options, avoiding specific allergens, or accommodating personal taste preferences.
Healthy Choices
1. Use whole wheat or whole grain wrappers instead of traditional white flour wrappers to increase fiber content.
2. Incorporate lean protein options like chicken or turkey instead of using fatty meats like pork or beef.
3. Increase the vegetable content by adding a variety of chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
4. Opt for low-sodium broth or homemade broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
5. Steam or bake the Maultaschen instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.
6. Serve with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
7. Reduce the amount of salt or use alternative seasonings like herbs, spices, or lemon zest to enhance the flavor without adding excess sodium.
8. Experiment with using reduced-fat cheese or tofu as a substitute for full-fat cheese in the filling.
9. Control portion sizes to maintain a balanced meal and avoid excessive calorie intake.
10. Consider making homemade Maultaschen to have better control over the ingredients and reduce the use of preservatives.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-made wonton wrappers instead of making the dough from scratch for the Maultaschen.
2. Substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey to reduce cost without sacrificing flavor.
3. Opt for frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach, as it is more affordable and requires less preparation time.
4. Prepare a larger batch of Maultaschen and freeze them for later use, saving time on future meal preparations.
5. Cook Maultaschen in a large pot all at once instead of individually, saving time and energy.
6. Use a food processor to quickly chop the filling ingredients, such as onions and herbs, instead of hand chopping.
7. Replace expensive veal with a combination of beef and pork, maintaining the traditional flavor at a lower cost.
8. Skip the step of making a separate broth and cook Maultaschen directly in simmering water, saving time and ingredients.
9. Purchase ready-made Maultaschen filling from a local German deli or grocery store to save preparation time.
10. Serve Maultaschen with a simple sauce like melted butter and herbs instead of making a complex sauce, reducing both time and cost.