My Granddaddy’s Favorite German Potato Pancakes Recipe

German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a cherished comfort food. Here’s a recipe for German potato pancakes that your granddaddy would love:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Sour cream or applesauce, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • After peeling the potatoes, place them in cold water to prevent browning. Grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor.
  2. Remove Excess Liquid:
    • Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You want the potatoes to be relatively dry.
  3. Mix the Batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the grated and squeezed potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
  5. Fry the Pancakes:
    • Using a large spoon or your hands, carefully drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten each spoonful with the back of the spoon to create a pancake shape.
  6. Cook Until Golden Brown:
    • Fry the potato pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent them from burning.
  7. Drain and Serve:
    • Once the potato pancakes are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve Warm:
    • Serve the German potato pancakes warm, accompanied by sour cream or applesauce for dipping. The creamy and tangy dip complements the crispy pancakes perfectly.

Enjoy these German potato pancakes as a nostalgic and flavorful dish that brings the comfort of your granddaddy’s favorite flavors to your table.