German Potato Pancakes

Crispy German Potato Pancakes: A Comfort Food Classic

German Potato Pancakes, or “Kartoffelpuffer,” are a beloved dish that can be served sweet or savory, making them incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer them with a dollop of applesauce or a savory topping like sour cream, these golden, crispy pancakes are easy to make and satisfyingly delicious. Let’s dive into this traditional recipe that will bring a taste of Germany to your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 pound potatoes
• 1 small onion
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper (optional, for savory pancakes)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 medium egg
• Oil for frying

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes and onion. Make sure they’re clean and ready for grating.

Step 2: Grate the Potatoes and Onion

Using the grating side of a four-sided grater, grate the potatoes into a bowl. If the onion is difficult to grate, you can finely chop it instead. Grating the onion helps distribute its flavor evenly throughout the pancakes.

Step 3: Drain Excess Water

Potatoes tend to release water after grating. To prevent your pancakes from becoming soggy, use your hands to squeeze out any excess liquid from the potato mixture.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

In the bowl with the grated potatoes and onion, add a pinch of salt and pepper (optional, for a savory version), along with the flour and egg. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands. The batter should be well combined and hold its shape when pressed together.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pancakes so they crisp up nicely.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Spoon two tablespoons of batter per pancake into the pan, flattening each one slightly to ensure even cooking. Avoid making the pancakes too thick or large. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain the Oil

Once the pancakes are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the pancakes warm in a preheated oven while you fry the rest.

Step 8: Repeat

Continue frying the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as necessary. Be sure to monitor the heat to prevent the pancakes from burning.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the potato pancakes immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. For a traditional sweet option, enjoy them with applesauce. If you prefer a savory approach, serve with sour cream, yogurt, or quark.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 160 kcal per serving

Perfect Pairings

These German Potato Pancakes are perfect for any meal. For a breakfast or brunch option, serve them with eggs and sausages. If you’re making them for dinner, pair them with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. And don’t forget the applesauce or sour cream for dipping—those classic accompaniments add an extra layer of flavor!

This recipe is straightforward and can easily be doubled or halved, depending on your needs. It’s also a great way to use up leftover potatoes! Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of this traditional dish. Guten Appetit!

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