German potato pancakes, also known as “Kartoffelpuffer” or “Reibekuchen,” are delicious and crispy potato fritters that are easy to make. Here’s a classic recipe for you to enjoy:
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, peeled1 small onion, finely grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Applesauce or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Grate the Potatoes: Using a box grater or a food processor with the grating attachment, grate the peeled potatoes into a large bowl. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to make the process quicker.
Remove Excess Liquid: Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze and twist the towel to remove as much liquid as possible from the potatoes. Collect the liquid in a separate bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. The potato starch will settle to the bottom. Pour off the liquid, leaving the potato starch, and add it back to the grated potatoes.
Add Onion and Seasoning: Finely grate the onion and add it to the bowl with the grated potatoes. Add the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
Heat Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a drop of batter is added.
Fry the Pancakes: Take a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil, flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon to form a pancake shape. You can fry multiple pancakes at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Fry the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Keep Warm: Once the potato pancakes are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. You can also keep them warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you fry the remaining batches.
Serve: Serve the German potato pancakes hot with applesauce or sour cream on the side, if desired. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish or even as a main course!
Note: You can customize the seasoning to your liking by adding herbs like parsley or chives, or by adjusting the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste.
