Spaetzle With Kielbasa and Caramelized Onions

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, lightly brown the kielbasa until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Melt the butter in the skillet. Stir in the onion and thyme, and stir briefly to coat the onion with butter. Cook onion, without stirring, until dark brown, about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and cook on low heat until very soft and caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Transfer onion to a bowl.

2. Step 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and the nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir well. The batter should be fairly wet, with a consistency slightly thicker than pancake batter.

3. Step 3

   Spread a clean dish towel flat on a work surface adjacent to the stove. Working over the pot of boiling water, press dough through a spaetzle maker or use a rubber spatula to push it through a colander with holes at least ¼-inch wide. Drop dough into the water. When dumplings rise to the surface, use a slotted spoon to transfer to the towel.

4. Step 4

   Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Toss the spaetzle and kielbasa in the bowl with the onions, and add 1½ cups cheese and the pepper. Spread into a 2-quart gratin dish. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining ½ cup cheese. Bake until golden and bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.