Absolutely! Here’s a classic, authentic recipe for Crispy German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen. These golden, crunchy-on-the-outside and tender-inside pancakes are a staple in German homes and at Christmas markets. Serve them sweet or savory!
🥔🇩🇪 Crispy German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
📝 Ingredients (Makes about 8–10 pancakes):
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2 lbs (900 g) starchy potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold)
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1 small onion, finely grated or minced
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: A pinch of nutmeg
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Neutral oil for frying (like sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Grate the potatoes:
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Peel and grate the potatoes using the coarse side of a box grater or food processor.
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Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, wrap tightly, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible into a bowl.
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Let the liquid sit for a few minutes — the starch will settle at the bottom. Carefully pour off the water and keep the white starch, adding it back to the potatoes for extra crispiness.
2. Mix the batter:
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In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and starch.
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Mix well. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Add a bit more flour if it’s too wet.
3. Heat the oil:
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In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Fry the pancakes:
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Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture per pancake into the hot oil.
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Flatten slightly with a spatula to form thin patties.
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Fry 2–4 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Serve hot!
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Best enjoyed immediately while crispy.
🍎 Traditional Serving Options:
Savory:
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With sour cream or herbed quark
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As a side to sauerkraut and bratwurst
Sweet (Traditional in West Germany):
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With applesauce (Apfelmus)
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Or even with cinnamon sugar
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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Want extra-crispy results? Use less flour and make thinner pancakes.
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Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the batter for a savory twist.
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Make them bite-sized for appetizers!