Description
Traditional German Potato Pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy and golden fried delights made from grated starchy potatoes and onions. These savory pancakes are perfectly paired with tangy herbed sour cream or sweet apple sauce, making a delicious and comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Pancakes
- 2 lbs (about 900g) starchy potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Neutral oil, for frying
Herbed Sour Cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Accompaniments
- Apple sauce (classic pairing)
- Herbed sour cream (savory option)
Instructions
- Grate the Potatoes: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the peeled potatoes and small onion. Transfer the grated mixture to a clean towel and wring out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispy pancakes.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated potato and onion mixture with eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Fry the Pancakes: Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with a spatula. Fry each pancake for 3–4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Herbed Sour Cream: In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, chopped chives, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Chill the mixture until ready to serve.
- Serve Hot: Plate the potato pancakes while still warm and serve with a dollop of herbed sour cream or a generous spoonful of apple sauce for the classic sweet contrast.
Notes
- For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russet for a crispy texture.
- Removing excess moisture from the grated potatoes is crucial to prevent soggy pancakes.
- Neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil works best for frying.
- These pancakes are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven for a short time.
- Apple sauce offers a classic sweet pairing, while herbed sour cream provides a savory alternative.
