Description
German Potato Pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden-brown pancakes made from grated starchy potatoes and onions. Fried to perfection and served hot with a classic apple sauce or a savory herbed sour cream, these pancakes are a beloved traditional German dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pancakes
- 2 lbs (about 900g) starchy potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Neutral oil, for frying
Herbed Sour Cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Additional
- Apple sauce (classic pairing)
Instructions
- Grate the Potatoes: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the peeled potatoes and small onion. Transfer the grated mixture onto a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispy pancakes.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potato and onion mixture with 2 eggs, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir well to create a batter.
- Fry: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spoon the potato mixture into the hot oil and flatten each portion slightly with a spatula. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the pancakes turn golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Herbed Sour Cream (Optional): In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup sour cream, chopped chives, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve Hot: Plate the potato pancakes warm, topped with a dollop of herbed sour cream or a generous spoonful of apple sauce for a sweet and savory contrast.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potatoes to achieve crispy pancakes.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for best texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste in the batter.
- Serve immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.
- Apple sauce is a traditional accompaniment, but herbed sour cream provides a delicious savory alternative.
