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Amazing German Potato Pancakes: 2 Secrets

German Potato Pancakes

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these traditional German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a delicious savory treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. This easy German Potato Pancakes recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Optional: applesauce or sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Grate the onion as well and combine with the potatoes.
  2. Place the grated mixture into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for crispy German Potato Pancakes.
  3. Transfer the drained mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper for your German Potato Pancakes.
  4. Mix until well combined.
  5. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles.
  6. Drop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly with a spatula to form a German Potato Pancake.
  7. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Transfer cooked German Potato Pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve hot with applesauce or sour cream, if desired, for authentic German Potato Pancakes.

Notes

  • Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the potatoes to get crispy German Potato Pancakes.
  • Best served immediately, but can be kept warm in a 200°F oven.
  • You can use a food processor to save time on grating for your German Potato Pancakes.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a vegan adaptation, replace the eggs with a flaxseed “egg” or a commercial egg substitute.
  • Add grated zucchini or carrot to the batter for extra flavor and color in your German Potato Pancakes.
  • Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or chopped herbs like parsley to the batter for added aroma in your German Potato Pancakes.

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