German Potato Pancakes

            There are so many potato pancake recipes out there and they are all claiming to be the German Potato Pancake Original. These are really fun to make and eat. They are crispy, slightly crunchy and overly tasty. These cakes are truly loved worldwide. Of course, each locale has their own recipe. For instance, Swedish pancakes are also quite popular, and eerily similar to the German Potato pancakes. These Potato Cakes are also a very popular street food during the different holidays and celebrations.

            The Authentic German Potato Cakes are served generally with a heaping spoonful of applesauce and sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar. The key difference between the Swedish Cakes and the Authentic German style, is that the German cakes have the potatoes grated much smaller, the Swedes just grate potatoes to resemble hash browns.

            German Potato Cakes are quite similar to Latkes. Latkes use matzo meal, baking powder and even milk. Taste wise, they are both delicious, and both great to have around the holidays. A good potato pancake will taste like potato and onion without having large chunks of either in the batter.

This is why German Potato Cakes grate the onion and potato so fine. Treat yourself and your family with this tasty treat as soon as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            What type of potato is best to use for this recipe?

Due to the high starch amount, I do use Russet potatoes myself. They work really well in this recipe.

            Can I make these ahead of time?

Although the best way to eat these is right after they have been cooked, they can be made ahead. You will need to have them fully cooked, and completely cooled. Then they can be placed in a single layer on a baking tray and placed in the freezer. Leave them in the freezer for 2 hours. Transfer the frozen cakes to freezer style ziploc bags.

            What should I serve with these cakes?

Most will suggest the same as I do, applesauce. We, meaning my family, have sour cream on the side also.

What do you need to make German Potato Pancakes

            2 ½ pounds Russet potatoes, or any starchy potato, peeled and grated very finely

            1 yellow onion, grated very fine

            2 large eggs

            1 tsp salt

            ¼ cup all purpose flour

            Oil for frying

How to make German Potato Pancakes

FIRST STEP:

After grating the potatoes, using a towel, thoroughly wring out all the liquid from the potatoes

Place the drained potatoes into a large bowl with the grated onion, salt, eggs and flour.

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Mix it thoroughly with your hands, you want it to be somewhat tacky. Add a little more flour if it is too sticky

SECOND STEP:

Heat 3 tbsp oil in a skillet

Place ⅓ to ½ a cup of mixture into the hot skillet

THIRD STEP:

Fry for three to five minutes on each side, until they are golden.

Briefly drain on paper towels

FOURTH STEP:

Serve immediately, while hot with applesauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, sour cream or even yogurt.

These could also be served with meat and a gravy, using these as a side dish.

Enjoy!