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Authentic Crispy German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

A stack of four golden brown, crispy German Potato Pancakes piled on a light gray plate near a window.
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Make traditional, crispy German Potato Pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, perfect for a savory side or a classic street food snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs starchy potatoes (like Russet), peeled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or lard, for frying

Instructions

  1. Grate the potatoes and onion using the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor attachment.
  2. Place the grated mixture into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze firmly over a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is key for crispy pancakes.
  3. Transfer the dry potato and onion mixture to a medium bowl. Discard the liquid.
  4. Add the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the potato mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form 3-inch rounds. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the Kartoffelpuffer from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve immediately with your preferred topping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can chill the squeezed potato mixture for 15 minutes before frying; the starch will settle at the bottom of the bowl, allowing you to pour off any remaining liquid before mixing in the eggs and flour.
  • Serve these German Potato Pancakes traditionally with applesauce (Apfelmus) or sour cream and chives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/german-potato-pancakes-kartoffelpuffer-recipe/