German Potato Pancakes Recipe

German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Called by different names in Germany's various regions, Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, are easy to make and are absolutely delicious!

Potato Pancakes (German Kartoffelpuffer)

Potato Pancakes Recipe

Delightfully crispy and flavorful, these authentic German potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, are fun to make and even more delicious to eat!

A quintessential German treat beloved across every region of Germany, Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes) are not only a favorite dish to serve at home but are also a popular street food found at local Volksfests and holiday events like Fasching, Karneval, and Christmas markets.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 pounds starchy potatoes, peeled and very finely grated (RAW, not cooked)
• 1 small yellow onion, very finely grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• neutral-tasting oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Thoroughly wring out the liquid in the grated potatoes by placing them in a colander and squeezing them with your hands or by placing them in a clean dish towel and wringing out the liquid.  
2. Place the drained grated potatoes in a medium-sized bowl with the grated onion, eggs, flour, and salt, and use your hands to work it into a tacky mixture.  Add a little more flour if needed.  Do not let the mixture sit for long before using it, use it immediately.
3. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture (depending on size preference) in the hot pan and flatten into pancakes with the back of a spoon.  Fry on both sides for 3-5 minutes until the Kartoffelpuffer is golden.  Place them briefly on paper towels.    
4. Serve immediately while hot with applesauce, fruit compote, or powdered sugar.  For a savory version serve with herbed yogurt, quark, or creme fraiche or with meat and gravy as part of a meal.

Enjoy!!