German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a classic and beloved dish in German cuisine. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home:
German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a delightful and savory treat that showcase the humble potato in all its crispy, golden glory. These pancakes are made from grated potatoes mixed with onions, eggs, flour, and seasoning, then fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of day.
To make German potato pancakes, start by peeling and grating potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible, as dry potatoes will result in crispier pancakes.
Next, finely chop onions and mix them with the grated potatoes in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings such as garlic powder or nutmeg, and mix until well combined. The flour helps bind the ingredients together and creates a crispy exterior when fried.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Spoon the potato mixture into the skillet, using a spatula to flatten each pancake into a thin, even layer. Cook the pancakes for several minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
As the pancakes cook, the aroma of sizzling potatoes and onions will fill your kitchen, creating a mouthwatering anticipation for the delicious dish to come.
Once the potato pancakes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve the pancakes hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a traditional touch, or get creative with toppings like smoked salmon, crème fraîche, or fresh herbs.
German potato pancakes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a savory breakfast, a satisfying side dish, or even a hearty main course. Whether served for brunch with family and friends or enjoyed as a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, these crispy, golden pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- – 4 large potatoes
- – 1 small onion
- – 2 eggs
- – 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. Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Finely chop the onion and add it to the grated potatoes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the grated potatoes and onions, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet for each pancake. Use a spatula to flatten the pancakes into round disks, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Fry the potato pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
7. Transfer the cooked potato pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve the potato pancakes hot, with sour cream or applesauce on the side if desired.
9. Enjoy these delicious German potato pancakes as a snack, side dish, or even a main course. They’re best served hot and crispy!
These German potato pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting treat any time of day.