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German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

Plated German potato pancake with fresh herb garnish
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Classic German Potato Pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are golden, crispy on the outside, and tender inside. Flavored with smoked paprika and fresh chives, these comforting pancakes are perfect as a side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium potatoes (550g), peeled
  • 1 small yellow onion (90g)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp white pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 medium egg
  • ¼ cup (60ml) neutral cooking oil (vegetable or sunflower)
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Grate and Drain:
    Peel and finely grate potatoes and onion. Wrap potatoes in a clean towel and squeeze out excess liquid. Do the same with the onion.
  2. Extract Starch:
    Let the squeezed potato liquid sit for 5 minutes. Pour off the water, reserving 2 tbsp of settled starch. Stir starch back into the potato mix.
  3. Make Batter:
    In a bowl, combine potatoes, onions, flour, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and egg. Mix until thick but moist. Add flour if batter feels too wet.
  4. Fry Pancakes:
    Heat oil over medium-high heat. Scoop ¼ cup batter into the pan, flatten to ¼-inch thick. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding.
  5. Drain and Season:
    Transfer to wire rack. Sprinkle with salt while hot. Keep warm in a low oven if frying in batches.
  6. Serve:
    Top with sour cream and fresh chives. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with sour cream, applesauce, or lingonberry jam. Great with sausages or a green salad.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Wring potatoes thoroughly for crispiness.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid sogginess.
  • Add a knob of butter to oil for extra crisp edges.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet or oven for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
  • Freeze cooked pancakes in layers with parchment paper for up to 1 month.

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