Spinach Spätzli with Brown Butter, Crispy Speck, and Pangrattato

Citrusy bread crumbs provide crunch and a bright pop of flavor to this German-influenced spinach pasta.

Yield: serves 6-8

For the Pangattato

¹⁄₃ cup schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) or olive oil
1 (1-lb.) loaf country bread, crust removed, cubed
1 ¹⁄₂ tsp. kosher salt
¹⁄₂ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium jalapeño, chopped
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lime
Finely grated zest of 1/2 orange

For the Spätzli and Serving

2 lb. fresh spinach, stemmed
¹⁄₂ tbsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for greasing
3 oz. sliced speck or pancetta
5 tbsp. unsalted butter

Instructions

Make the pangrattato: Heat oven to 275°. Melt schmaltz in a 12" skillet over medium. Add bread and season with salt and pepper; cook until lightly toasted, 6-8 minutes. Transfer bread to a baking sheet; bake until slightly dry, 18-20 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and jalapeño; bake until everything is dry and crisp, about 45 minutes, and let cool. Transfer to a food processor; pulse into coarse crumbs. Stir in citrus zest.
Make the spätzli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spinach until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Transfer spinach to an ice bath until chilled. Drain spinach and transfer to a clean kitchen towel; squeeze until mostly dry. Transfer spinach to a food processor. Add nutmeg, salt, and eggs; purée until spinach is minced. Add flour; purée, scraping down sides of processor as needed, until a smooth, thick batter forms, about 4 minutes. Transfer batter to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap; let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Bring a fresh pot of generously salted water to a simmer over medium-high. Working in batches, and using a [spätzle maker](http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Spaetzle-Maker/dp/B001DMCM6Y/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0122V1PV5MWBAA85GNZ0) or colander with large holes, press batter into the simmering water. Cook until spätzli float, about 1 minute. Stir and cook until tender, about 1 minute more. Using a slotted spoon, transfer spätzli to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high. Cook speck until crisp, 1-2 minutes; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Wipe skillet clean and add butter; cook over medium until butter turns a deep golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Add reserved spätzli and toss to combine; divide between plates. Crumble speck over the top and sprinkle with some reserved pangrattato.

Jenn Louis