Schwäbische Maultaschen

Schwäbische Maultaschen, and the smaller Schwäbische Suppenmaultaschen, are a filled pasta with an EU protected geographical indication (PGI) from Swabia – all of Baden-Württemberg and the Swabia region of Bavaria. They are square or rounded pasta pouches with a minced meat or minced vegetable filling, sold fresh or packed and boiled or fried before eating.

The dough casing must contain wheat flour or meal and/or spelt, whole egg and water; salt, herbs, spinach and vegetable oil may be added. The meat filling is based on pork, beef and/or veal and may include smoked belly or ham, egg, bread or breadcrumbs and regional vegetables such as spinach, chard, onions or leek; the vegetable filling may contain quark, fresh cheese or other cheese. Seasonings are limited to 3%.

A standard Maultasche is 55–100 mm long, 50–90 mm wide and 15–25 mm high and weighs 40–150 g; a Suppenmaultasche measures 10–55 by 10–50 mm and weighs 10–40 g. Meat must make up at least 8% of total weight; vegetable versions contain at least 20% vegetables. The casing is pale yellow to pale grey, or speckled green with spinach or herbs, firm to the bite and not sticky. The entire production takes place in Swabia.

Maultaschen are traditional Lenten fare on Maundy Thursday and are now eaten all year round. Almost every butcher's shop and local restaurant in Swabia makes them, and Freiberg am Neckar holds a Maultaschen festival every autumn.