German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Introduction
German potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden delights made from grated potatoes and onions. They are simple to prepare and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper, if desired
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes and the onion. Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or fine strainer and drain excess water thoroughly.
- Step 2: Transfer the grated potatoes and onion to a bowl. Add salt, pepper (if using), flour, and the egg. Mix everything well until combined into a batter.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Spoon portions of the batter into the pan, pressing them lightly to form flat pancakes.
- Step 4: Cook each pancake for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove the pancakes from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.
- Step 6: Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, ensure the potatoes are well drained before mixing.
- Try adding chopped fresh chives or parsley into the batter for extra flavor.
- Sweet potato can be used as a substitute for a different twist on this classic dish.
- Use vegetable oil or a mild-flavored oil for frying to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
Storage
Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and cook the potato pancakes fresh to keep their crisp texture. However, you can grate the potatoes and onion a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, drained well before mixing.
What toppings go well with German potato pancakes?
Traditional toppings include applesauce and sour cream. You can also try smoked salmon, fresh herbs, or a dollop of yogurt for variety.
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German Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes) 1x
Description
This traditional German Potato Pancakes recipe delivers crispy, golden pancakes made from grated potatoes and onions, lightly seasoned and fried to perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a hearty snack, these pancakes are simple to prepare and best served warm with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper, if desired
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes and the small onion finely. Place the grated potatoes in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water thoroughly to avoid soggy pancakes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes and onion with a pinch of salt, optional pepper, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 medium-sized egg. Stir everything until well mixed, forming a cohesive batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a frying pan over medium heat to cover the bottom. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which ensures crispy pancakes without absorbing too much oil.
- Cook the Pancakes: Spoon dollops of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form pancakes. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove the cooked pancakes from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. To keep them warm, place the pancakes on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the potato pancakes warm with your choice of toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or chives for a delicious traditional experience.
Notes
- Draining excess water from the grated potatoes is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if desired.
- For extra flavor, finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added to the batter.
- Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; cook pancakes in batches for even frying.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to fry the pancakes for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German potato pancakes, potato fritters, traditional German recipe, crispy potato pancakes
