Description
This classic German Potato Pancakes recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown fritters made from grated potatoes and onions, lightly seasoned and pan-fried to perfection. Perfect as a savory side dish or a delightful snack, these pancakes are easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Pancakes
- 1 pound potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes and the onion finely. Place the grated potatoes in a clean cloth or sieve and press or drain out as much excess water as possible to prevent sogginess.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes and onion with a pinch of salt, pepper if desired, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 medium-sized egg. Stir thoroughly until the batter is well combined and slightly sticky.
- Heat Oil: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat, enough to coat the bottom of the pan to allow the pancakes to fry evenly and get crispy.
- Cook the Pancakes: Using a spoon, scoop portions of the batter into the hot pan, flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon to form small pancakes. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side until similarly golden and crispy.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove the cooked pancakes from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) until all pancakes are cooked and ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the German potato pancakes hot with your choice of toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or chives for an authentic traditional experience.
Notes
- Drain the grated potatoes well to ensure crispy pancakes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; pepper is optional but recommended for flavor.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven to serve them fresh and crispy.
- Serve with classic toppings like applesauce or sour cream for best flavor.
