German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a classic dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here’s a simple recipe to make German potato pancakes at home:
German Potato Pancakes, known as “Reibekuchen” or “Kartoffelpuffer,” are a beloved traditional dish that showcases the humble potato in a deliciously crispy and flavorful form. These pancakes are a staple in German cuisine, often enjoyed as a comforting snack or side dish, and are particularly popular during festive seasons and holiday markets. With their golden-brown exterior, tender interior, and delightful flavor, German Potato Pancakes are sure to please anyone who takes a bite.
The cooking process is where the magic happens. A generous amount of oil, typically vegetable or canola oil, is heated in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is essential for achieving that crispy, golden-brown exterior that makes these pancakes so irresistible. Once the oil is hot, spoonfuls of the potato mixture are carefully dropped into the pan, flattening them slightly to form pancakes. The pancakes are cooked until they are golden brown and crispy on one side, then flipped to cook the other side, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side.
In summary, German Potato Pancakes are a delightful and comforting dish that showcases the versatility of potatoes in a crispy, flavorful form. With their golden-brown exterior, tender interior, and delicious accompaniments, these pancakes are a beloved staple in German cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive celebrations, German Potato Pancakes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional dish!
Ingredients:
- – 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled
- – 1 small onion, grated
- – 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- – 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – Vegetable oil, for frying
- – Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the grated onion, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add enough vegetable oil to generously coat the bottom of the skillet.
4. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet, spreading them out slightly to form pancakes. Flatten each pancake with the back of a spoon or spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cook the potato pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancakes halfway through cooking.
6. Once the potato pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
8. Serve the German potato pancakes hot, garnished with sour cream or applesauce if desired.
9. Enjoy the crispy and delicious German potato pancakes as a side dish or appetizer!
These German potato pancakes are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty snack any time of day. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and are sure to be a hit with family and friends!