German Potato Pancakes

—

### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture!

#### 2. **Mix the Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion.
– Add the egg, flour, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture holds together. If the batter feels too loose, add a little more flour.

#### 3. **Heat the Oil:**
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, ensuring the pancakes crisp up evenly.

#### 4. **Fry the Pancakes:**
– Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small spoonful of batter — if it sizzles, it’s ready!), spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan. Flatten each pancake slightly with the back of the spoon to form a round, even shape.
– Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip them carefully.
– Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

#### 5. **Drain and Serve:**
– Once the pancakes are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with applesauce or sour cream on the side.

—

### 🧡 Why You’ll Love German Potato Pancakes

– **Crispy and Tender** – The perfect combination of crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
– **Versatile** – They can be served as a snack, side dish, or even a main course with toppings like smoked salmon, sautéed mushrooms, or a dollop of sour cream.
– **Simple Ingredients** – With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these delightful pancakes in no time.
– **Authentic Flavor** – These potato pancakes capture the rich, hearty flavors of German cuisine, perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest or any time of year.

—

### 🍽 What to Serve With German Potato Pancakes

– **Traditional Dips**: Applesauce is the classic pairing, adding a sweet contrast to the savory pancakes. Sour cream also works wonderfully if you prefer something creamy and tangy.
– **Smoked Salmon**: For a more luxurious twist, top your potato pancakes with smoked salmon, capers, and fresh dill.
– **Sautéed Mushrooms**: Earthy sautéed mushrooms with a sprinkle of thyme pair perfectly with the crispy pancakes for a savory treat.
– **Salad**: Serve with a light salad, like a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the pancakes.

—

### 💡 Tips for the Best German Potato Pancakes

– **Use starchy potatoes**: Russet potatoes are ideal because they release more starch, helping the pancakes hold together and become crispy.
– **Don’t skip the draining**: Removing excess moisture from the potatoes is essential for achieving that crispy texture. The dryer the potatoes, the better the pancakes will crisp up.
– **Adjust the oil temperature**: If the oil is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside but stay raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil. Medium-high heat is ideal for crispy, golden pancakes.
– **Keep them warm**: If you’re making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you fry the rest.

—

### 🍂 A Taste of Tradition

These **German Potato Pancakes** are more than just a delicious meal — they’re a celebration of hearty, comforting flavors that have been cherished for generations. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want to enjoy the delicious simplicity of German cooking, these pancakes are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

So grab some potatoes, heat up that skillet, and enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of these traditional German treats! 🥔🍽️🍯