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
Scale
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
