Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chopped dill
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Equipment: a spaetzlemaker or a colander with 1/4-inch holes

Instructions

1. Bring a 6-quart pot of salted water (2 teaspoon salt for 5 qt water) to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, dill, 2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
3. Whisk together eggs and water in a bowl, then add to flour mixture and whisk until batter is smooth.
4. Working over barely simmering water, force batter through spaetzlemaker (or through colander with a rubber spatula) into water and cook, stirring occasionally, until dumplings have risen to surface and are firm, 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Drain dumplings in a colander, then return to warm pot. Toss with butter and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.