Delicious and Easy German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you to the heart of German cuisine with our easy German potato pancakes recipe. Known as “Reibekuchen” or “Kartoffelpuffer,” these crispy and golden delights are not just simple potato fritters; they embody the warmth and tradition of German cooking. Whether served as a delectable side dish, a satisfying main course, or a perfect snack, homemade German potato pancakes from scratch are bound to impress your family and friends. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they are a versatile favorite that everyone will love, especially with a dollop of apple sauce or sour cream for the finish. Don’t worry if you follow a specific diet; we also have tips for making vegan German potato pancakes that are just as delicious!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes)

Ingredients

To whip up these marvelous potato pancakes, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

4 medium-sized potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), preferably starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Gold
1 medium onion, finely grated
1 large egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola), for frying

For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

Equipment List

Large mixing bowl
Box grater or food processor for grating potatoes and onions
Whisk
Large skillet or frying pan
Spatula
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Serving plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes. Grate them using a box grater or food processor. As you grate, place the grated potatoes in a large mixing bowl filled with cold water. This step helps to prevent browning and remove excess starch. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes.
Drain and Dry: Drain the grated potatoes, and then transfer them to a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can; the drier the potatoes, the crispier the pancakes!
Add Ingredients: In the mixing bowl with the grated potatoes, add the finely grated onion, egg, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Using a whisk, mix all the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the pancake batter into the oil; it should sizzle when ready.
Form and Fry: Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop the batter into the skillet, gently flattening each mound with a spatula. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Once fried, place the pancakes on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue with the remaining batches. Serve warm with apple sauce, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Special Notes

These potato pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and crispy.

If you find the batter too thick, you can thin it out by adding a tablespoon of water or additional egg. For thicker pancakes, simply add more flour.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with the recipe to suit your taste:

Herbed Potato Pancakes: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to the batter for a burst of flavor.
Cheesy Variation: Stir in shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for an ooey-gooey delight.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the batter for a spicy kick.
Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on recipe yielding 4 servings)

Estimated nutritional information:

Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g

Engaging Visual Details

As these savory pancakes sizzle in the pan, they’ll take on a beautiful, golden-brown hue. The aroma of frying potatoes and onions fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. As you plate the crispy layers, they will exude a delightful crunch when you break one open, revealing a soft, fluffy interior. Consider incorporating images of each step, from the grated potatoes soaking in water to the final plated dish, to enhance reader engagement.

Conclusion

Now that you’re armed with this easy German potato pancakes recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you opt for the classic version or try out the vegan variations, these delightful pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, and share your version on social media using MyDeliciousDish for a chance to be featured! Enjoy this delicious taste of Germany!