Ingredients:
- 4 giant russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 giant eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Bitter cream or applesauce, for serving
Directions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes, placing them in cold water to prevent browning.
Remove Extra Liquid:
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible, ensuring relatively dry potatoes.
Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine grated and squeezed potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
Fry the Pancakes:
- Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening each spoonful with the back of the spoon to create a pancake shape.
Cook Until Golden Brown:
- Fry the potato pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat to prevent burning.
Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the pancakes, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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.
FAQs:
- Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
- A: While the batter can be prepared ahead, it’s best to cook the pancakes just before serving for optimal crispiness.
- Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
- A: While russet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for variations in flavor and texture.
- Q: What’s the ideal thickness for grating the potatoes?
- A: Aim for a medium-fine grate to achieve a balanced texture in the pancakes.
Conclusion:
Dive into the delicious world of Authentic German Potato Pancakes – a culinary treasure that combines simplicity with irresistible flavors. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pancakes are a delightful treat for any occasion!