National Dish Austria: Carinthian Cheese Noodles (Recipe)
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Say hello to Carinthian cheese noodles, one of Austria’s most cherished comfort foods! These plump, half-moon parcels hide a creamy filling of soft cheese and potato beneath a delicate, hand-pinched dough. Born in the mountain pastures of Carinthia, they have long since won fans far beyond the Alps. Gentle in flavour yet wonderfully satisfying, they bring a little slice of Carinthian hospitality straight to your table.
About Carinthian Cheese Noodles
Carinthian cheese noodles are a traditional dish from the picturesque region of Carinthia in southern Austria. These hearty filled parcels are not only a firm favourite across the Alpine countries but enjoy great popularity well beyond their borders, too. They are made from a fine dough wrapped around a delicious mixture of quark or Brimsen (a soft sheep’s-milk cheese). Often enriched with potatoes and seasoning, the filling takes on a particularly intense, savoury aroma. As a cornerstone of Austrian cuisine, they showcase the simple, comforting cooking of the mountains at its very best.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 80 ml water
- 200 g quark or Brimsen
- 100 g cooked potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter, for serving
- Fresh herbs (e.g. chives), to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Carinthian cheese noodles, it pays to pay attention to the quality of the products. Fresh quark or regional Brimsen is decisive for the flavour of the filling. The potatoes, too, should be as fresh and waxy as possible to achieve the best consistency. When it comes to herbs, fresh varieties are the way to go, as they beautifully underline the aroma of the noodles.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making the Carinthian cheese noodles, it is important to have all your ingredients ready. First, boil the potatoes and then let them cool before peeling and mashing them. Finely chop the onion and sweat it gently in a little butter until soft and translucent. These steps are essential for ensuring a harmonious filling with a good, robust flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the flour, egg and water in a bowl and knead into a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the cooked potatoes with the quark, the sautéed onion and the seasoning.
- Roll the dough out thinly and cut out circles using a bowl as a template.
- Spoon the filling into the centre of each dough circle and press the edges firmly together to seal.
- Cook the cheese noodles in boiling salted water until they rise to the surface.
- Arrange with butter and fresh herbs, then serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the Carinthian cheese noodles, you can use gluten-free flour. Just make sure that all the other ingredients are gluten-free as well. For a lactose-free preparation, you can use lactose-free quark or a plant-based alternative. These adjustments mean that people with dietary restrictions can also enjoy these delicious noodles.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of the Carinthian cheese noodles, you can replace the quark with a plant-based alternative, such as tofu or a special vegan quark. In addition, the egg in the dough can be swapped for apple purée or a chia egg. Take care that the side dishes and seasonings are vegan, too. These adjustments make it possible for vegan food lovers to enjoy these delicious noodles to the full.
More tips and tricks
An important tip when making cheese noodles is to seal the edges of the parcels very well so the filling does not leak out during cooking. Letting the dough rest is also crucial, as it makes the dough more elastic and easier to work with. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil when cooking, to stop the noodles from sticking together. An extra splash of olive oil in the water can help here, too.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Carinthian cheese noodles is extremely versatile and easy to adapt to personal preferences. For example, different herbs can be added to vary the aroma. The filling can also be enriched with spinach or other vegetables, much like the leafy greens in a Spinach Strudel. This flexibility makes the dish not only tasty but also wonderfully easy to make your own.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find Brimsen or quark, other creamy cheeses such as ricotta or cottage cheese make an excellent alternative — the same kind of soft-cheese magic that fills Quark Dumplings. With the seasonings you can experiment, adding nutmeg or a pinch of paprika to give the dish a special note. For the dough, other flours such as spelt can also be used to boost the nutritional value. That way the recipe stays exciting and full of variety.
Drink pairing ideas
The best companions for Carinthian cheese noodles are light white wines, which beautifully round out the flavours of the dish. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fresh Grüner Veltliner harmonises wonderfully with the creamy filling. For a non-alcoholic option, a homemade fruit spritzer or a minty tea can be served. These drinks provide a refreshing accompaniment and finish the meal off perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
When presenting the Carinthian cheese noodles, it is worth being creative to make the dish even more inviting. One simple option is to arrange the noodles on an attractive plate and drizzle them with melted butter. A garnish of fresh herbs or browned onions not only enhances the look but also the flavour. You might also add a few edible flowers as decoration to lend a special touch.
A bit of history
Carinthian cheese noodles have a long tradition in Austrian cuisine and are a hallmark of the regional cooking of Carinthia. Originally they came about as a simple yet nourishing dish for the labourers of the region. The combination of dough and varied fillings reflects the wealth of ingredients found in the Alpine region. Today they are known not only in Carinthia but also far beyond the country’s borders, enjoying the highest regard in home cooking — much like the hearty Tiroler Gröstl of the neighbouring mountains.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Carinthian Cheese Noodles
The delicious Carinthian cheese noodles are a true traditional dish that is an absolute must for every food lover. They bring simple ingredients together into a hearty treat that not only satisfies but also gladdens the soul. Whether prepared traditionally or with a modern twist, the cheese noodles are an expression of culinary variety and creativity. Let this recipe inspire you and enjoy a touch of Carinthian hospitality.
