Easy German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen)
Description
German Hash Browns (Reibekuchen / Kartoffelpuffer) are traditional German potato fritters/pancakes and you see them everywhere at Christmas markets in German. They are golden, crispy potato pancakes served with Apfelmus (applesauce). Traditionally, the sweetness balances the savoury potatoes, but I’ll be honest… the combo wasn’t for me.
I’ll stick to sour cream.
Still, Reibekuchen are delicious and so easy to make at home. Super crispy, comforting, and perfect for cozy Christmas recipes or winter evenings. Have you tried Kartoffelpuffer with applesauce? If not, try and let me know what you think! See my reaction here.
Ingredients
Instructions
Make the batter
Peel the potatoes and grate them on the finest side of the grater. Set aside. Grate the onion (larger holes are fine in onion's case). Transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all liquid, this is the secret to crispy Reibekuchen. Place the potato-onion mix in a bowl, add egg, cornstarch, salt + pepper and mix very well. Start frying the pancakes immediately or asap, so no more liquid will keep draining.
Fry the potato pancakes
Heat the oil in a stainless-steel pan and spoon in the mixture, pressing each pancake thin (the thinner, the crispier!).
Fry on medium–medium high until the edges brown, flip and cook the other side. Let is drain the excess oil on a kitchen towel, then serve with sour cream or with applesauce (if you dare). In Germany they also serve it with icing sugar on top. Not a fan but you can try. Enjoy!
