German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Introduction
German potato pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden treats perfect for any meal. Made from simple ingredients like grated potatoes and onions, they bring a comforting and delicious flavor to your table.
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 onion. Place the grated potatoes in a clean cloth or fine sieve and press to drain any excess water.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained potatoes and onion with salt, pepper, flour, and the egg. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Step 3: Heat a thin layer of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Spoon the batter into the pan, shaping into small pancakes.
- Step 4: Cook each pancake for 3–5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove the pancakes and drain them on paper towels. Keep warm in the oven while frying the rest, if needed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or chives.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, use starchy potatoes like Russets and ensure you drain the grated potatoes well to remove moisture.
- Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for a fresh flavor.
- Try serving with smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream for a savory twist.
Storage
Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and cook the pancakes fresh to maintain their crispy texture. However, you can grate the potatoes and onion a few hours early, kept refrigerated, then prepare the batter right before cooking.
What oil is best for frying potato pancakes?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or canola oil. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without burning the pancakes.
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German Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes) 1x
Description
This classic German Potato Pancakes recipe features crispy, golden pancakes made from grated potatoes and onion, combined with flour and egg, and fried until perfectly browned. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a delicious snack, these pancakes are simple to prepare and can be served with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or chives.
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 1 pound potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper (optional)
- 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 onion finely. Place the grated potatoes in a cloth or sieve and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to ensure crisp pancakes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the flour and the egg, then mix thoroughly until well incorporated to form the batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. The oil should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan to get a nice crisp crust.
- Cook the Pancakes: Using a spoon, drop portions of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them gently with the back of the spoon to form pancakes. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove the cooked pancakes from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) while cooking the remaining pancakes.
- Serve: Serve the German potato pancakes hot with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Draining the potato mixture is crucial to achieve crispy pancakes.
- You can adjust seasoning with additional herbs or spices according to taste.
- If the batter feels too loose, add a little more flour.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as pancakes tend to lose crispiness if left too long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes, traditional German recipe, fried potato cakes
