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Buttery German Potato Pancakes

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these buttery German potato pancakes are a delightful treat. Serve them with applesauce, sour cream, or as a savory side dish for a traditional German meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Makes about 10 pancakes:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes and onion:
    • After grating the potatoes and onion, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This helps the pancakes get crispy.
  2. Mix the batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined.
  3. Heat the skillet:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
  4. Cook the pancakes:
    • Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and drop it into the skillet. Flatten it slightly with the back of a spoon to form a pancake. Cook 2-3 pancakes at a time without overcrowding.
    • Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
  5. Repeat:
    • Remove cooked pancakes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process, adding more butter and oil to the skillet as needed, until all the batter is used.
  6. Serve immediately:
    • Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of applesauce, sour cream, or as a savory side dish.


Notes

  • For a heartier version, add 1/4 cup of grated cheese (like Parmesan) or chopped fresh herbs (like parsley) to the batter.
  • These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain their crispiness.
  • Use Yukon Gold or starchy potatoes for the best texture.