| Linsen mit Spätzle | |
| Name Lang: | de |
| Name Italics: | true |
| Course: | Main course |
| Served: | Hot |
| Place Of Origin: | Germany |
| Region: | Swabia |
| Main Ingredient: | Spätzle, lentils, sausage |
Linsen mit Spätzle (lentils with Swabian pasta), normally accompanied by wiener sausages, is a traditional Swabian dish that is by many Swabians considered the Swabian national meal in the southwestern region of Germany.
Like many dishes from the region, German: Linsen mit Spätzle originated as a meal for the poor. While meat was too expensive for the major part of the Swabian population, lentils were a popular and nutritious staple food which could be stored during winter. Lentils are also a crop that can be produced even on soils of low nutrient content in the region. The combination of wheat and egg and lentils is a good source of protein with high biological value.
Today this winter dish is on the menu of many traditional Swabian restaurants. Aside from that, it is a popular meal in company staff canteens and university cafeterias. It is also a popular dish for cooking at home.