Like many dishes from the region, 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.