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German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes are crispy, golden comfort food made from simple ingredients like potatoes, onion, eggs, and flour. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or any meal in between, these pancakes feature a satisfying crunch with tender centers. Easy to prepare and customizable, they bring nostalgic flavors and are loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and finely grate the potatoes and onion. Place the grated mixture into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is essential for achieving crispy pancakes.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a batter that holds together but is not too dense.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Properly heated oil ensures a crisp, golden crust without greasiness.
  4. Fry the Pancakes: Spoon portions of the batter into the hot oil, flattening gently with a spatula to form thin disks. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best taste.

Notes

  • Patience with squeezing moisture out of potatoes is key to crispy pancakes.
  • Keep pancakes uniform in size and thickness for even cooking.
  • Heat oil properly to avoid greasy pancakes and get a perfect crust.
  • Gently mix ingredients to maintain light and tender texture.
  • Serve pancakes warm and freshly cooked; keep in a low oven if cooking multiple batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: German Potato Pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes, traditional German recipe, gluten-free potato pancakes