German potato pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a beloved traditional dish in Germany. These crispy, golden pancakes are made with grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and seasonings. They are versatile and can be served as a savory side dish or as a sweet treat. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (starchy varieties like Russets work well)
- 1 small onion (optional, for added flavor)
- 1-2 large eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more, depending on the moisture in the potatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Savory: Sour cream, smoked salmon, or applesauce
- Sweet: Sugar, cinnamon, or powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and the onion (if using).
- Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated mixture in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps ensure crispy pancakes.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion.
- Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper (if using). Mix well to form a slightly sticky batter. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small amount of batter is added.
- Fry the Pancakes:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake and flatten it slightly in the skillet.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your choice of savory or sweet toppings.
Would you like suggestions for pairing these with a meal or other variations? 😊
German Potato Pancakes
Ingredients:
°1 small onion
°1 pound potatoes
°1 Medium-sized egg
°3 tbsp flour
°1 pinch pepper
°1 pinch salt
°1 oil (for frying)
Methods:
Grate onions and potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
In a bowl, beat the egg. Add grated onions, potatoes, flour, pepper and salt and mix well.
Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat.
Using 1/4 cup scale, pour the mixture into hot oil. Flatten the mixture to form a pie shape.
Fry the pie for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.