Thin German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

German cuisine offers a delightful range of flavors, and Thin German Potato Pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a quintessential dish that combines simplicity with deliciousness. These crispy, golden pancakes make for a fantastic side dish or a stand-alone snack, topped with applesauce, sour cream, or smoked salmon. Let’s dive into the full recipe for these delectable pancakes!

Ingredients

US Measurements:

2 lbs starchy potatoes, shredded (raw, not cooked)
1 small onion, finely minced
2 large eggs
4 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
3-4 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Metric Measurements:

1 kg starchy potatoes, shredded (raw, not cooked)
1 small onion, finely minced
2 large eggs
30 g flour
2.5 g salt (more or less to taste)
45-60 ml olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Next, peel them and finely grate using a box grater or food processor. After grating, let the shredded potatoes sit in a bowl for 10 minutes. This resting period allows excess water to drain away.
Remove Excess Water: After 10 minutes, you’ll notice some water has collected at the bottom of the bowl. Carefully drain this water, as excess moisture can make the pancakes soggy.
Mince the Onion: While the potatoes are resting, mince the onion finely or grate it for easier incorporation. The onion adds flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall taste of the pancakes.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, minced onion, eggs, flour, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, forming a batter.
Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then lightly grease it with olive oil. The oil not only helps prevent sticking but also contributes to the crispiness of the pancakes.
Cook the Pancakes: Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop some of the potato mixture into the hot pan, spreading it gently to form a thin circle. The key to great Kartoffelpuffer is to keep them thin, allowing them to crisp up perfectly.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Allow the pancake to cook until it’s fully golden on one side. You can check this by slightly lifting the edges with a wooden spatula. Once nicely browned, carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining potato batter, stirring the mixture before adding each new pancake to ensure uniformity.
Serve: Once all the pancakes are cooked, serve them warm alongside your favorite main meal or with various toppings like applesauce, sour cream, or smoked salmon.

Nutritional Information and Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: About 4 servings

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 250
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 1g
Fat: 10g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. The high starch content helps achieve that desirable crispy texture while keeping the insides light and fluffy.
Keep Batter Fresh: As the potato batter sits, it will release moisture. Stir the batter before each pancake to re-incorporate any liquid and maintain the right consistency for frying.
Perfect Pancake Size: Aim for very thin pancakes. Not only do they cook faster, but they also develop a better crispiness that is characteristic of Authentic Kartoffelpuffer. Adjust the size based on your frying pan to avoid overcrowding.

Possible Variations

Herbed Potato Pancakes: Add fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or dill into the batter for an extra layer of flavor. These add a bright, fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.
Cheesy Kartoffelpuffer: Incorporate grated cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, into the potato mixture for a rich and savory twist. This variation adds gooey goodness and a delightful cheesy crust when fried.

Enjoy creating your own Thin German Potato Pancakes, a dish that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table or as a delightful snack! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, these pancakes are bound to impress.