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German Potato Pancakes Recipe

German Potato Pancakes Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Traditional German Potato Pancakes are crispy, golden brown fritters made from grated potatoes, onion, eggs, and flour, fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are perfect served hot with applesauce or sour cream, making a comforting side dish or a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (about 4–5 medium-large) Potatoes, Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled
  • 1 medium Onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ½ cup All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)

For Frying and Serving

  • Vegetable Oil or Lard, for frying (about 1-2 cups)
  • Applesauce, for serving (optional)
  • Sour Cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grate the Potatoes: Use a box grater with large holes or a food processor equipped with a grating attachment to coarsely grate the peeled potatoes, making sure to avoid pureeing them for perfect texture.
  2. Drain the Potatoes: Transfer grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist tightly to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible to prevent sogginess.
  3. Grate or Mince the Onion: Finely grate or mince the onion to incorporate subtle sweetness and flavor into the potato mixture.
  4. Combine Potatoes and Onion: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained grated potatoes with the grated or minced onion, mixing thoroughly for even distribution.
  5. Add the Eggs: Crack two large eggs into the bowl to bind the ingredients together, ensuring the pancakes hold their shape during frying.
  6. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg for seasoning and structure.
  7. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until combined but avoid overmixing. The batter should remain slightly wet but not watery; adjust with additional flour or water if needed.
  8. Heat the Oil: Pour 1-2 cups of vegetable oil or lard into a large skillet to about ¼ inch depth and heat over medium-high until a small piece of the mixture sizzles immediately when placed in.
  9. Form the Pancakes: Using about ¼ cup of the potato mixture for each, gently shape into flat, round pancakes approximately ½ inch thick.
  10. Fry the Pancakes: Carefully place pancakes into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches if necessary.
  11. Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula to cook evenly.
  12. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove cooked pancakes and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  13. Repeat: Continue frying remaining batter, replenishing the oil as needed to maintain the correct temperature.
  14. Serve Immediately: Serve the potato pancakes hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
  15. Traditional Toppings: Offer applesauce and sour cream as classic accompaniments to enhance the savory and sweet balance.
  16. Other Toppings: Experiment with jam, jelly, cinnamon sugar, smoked salmon with dill, fried egg, or chives with cream cheese for varied flavor profiles.
  17. Enjoy! Relish your homemade German potato pancakes with family and friends.

Notes

  • Ensure to drain the grated potatoes thoroughly to avoid soggy pancakes.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for best texture.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • If mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash of water or an extra egg.
  • Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; pancakes can be kept warm in a low oven.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet for maintained crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: German potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes, traditional German recipe, fried potato cakes, applesauce pancakes

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/german-potato-pancakes-recipe/