Description
Traditional German Potato Pancakes, crispy and golden brown, made from grated russet potatoes and onions, seasoned with salt and pepper, then fried to perfection. These savory pancakes make a delicious side dish or snack, perfect when served hot with applesauce or sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 4 cups russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes), peeled and grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Batter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, about 1/4 cup for frying
Instructions
- Wash and Peel the Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove the skin before grating.
- Grate the Potatoes: Use the large grating side of a box grater to grate the peeled potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Grate the Onion: Grate the yellow onion into the same bowl with the grated potatoes, combining flavors.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Allow the potato and onion mixture to sit for a few minutes, then drain off the liquid that accumulates, which helps the pancakes become crispy.
- Mix the Ingredients: To the potato-onion mixture, add salt, black pepper (if using), all-purpose flour, and the large egg.
- Combine: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients together, forming a thick batter sticky enough to hold together.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form the Pancakes: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake and shape each into a flattened round using the back of a spoon.
- Fry the Pancakes: Place the pancakes into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the potato pancakes hot, topped with applesauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid from the grated potatoes well to ensure crispiness.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the pancakes while ensuring they cook through.
- Variations can include adding chopped chives or garlic for extra flavor.
- Leftover pancakes reheat well in a skillet or oven for crispiness.
- Serve with traditional toppings such as sour cream or applesauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
