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    Home » Vegetables

    German Potato Pancakes

    Published: Oct 13, 2017 · Modified: Jun 15, 2021 by Carolyn Hetke · This post may contain affiliate links,

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Isn't it amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a flavourful family favourite -German Potato Pancakes?  

    German Potato Pancakes on a plate with sour cream.

    By the way... if you are looking for a lower carb substitute for potato pancakes - check out my Fried Sauerkraut Cakes. They clock in at 6 carbs per pancake instead of 27 and you can use the same toppings.

    Many cultures have a potato pancake version and since there aren't many ingredients there isn't really much variation in them. The biggest variation is onion? or no onion?  I went with the onion this time.  Our family recipe doesn't have onion but a girlfriend made a batch and sent us over some for a treat.  We liked them so much we may have to go with the onion version from now on!

    I use a mandolin to grate the potatoes. I find long thin strips make the best texture.  You can use a box grater or a grater disc in your food processor.  You want the potato to have some texture so be careful with a food processor that you don't grate it too finely.

    grated-potatoes

    Topped with a bit of sour cream or apple sauce they can be a meal on their own.

    german-potato-pancakes

    I also made an Apple/Onion Sauerkraut with Sausage and Pretzel Sausages to go with them.

    pretzel-sausage-sauerkraut

    These reheat very nicely so make lots- they make fantastic leftovers too!

    Wine Pairing with German Potato Pancakes

    Well... some things just cry out for beer- so in honour of Oktoberfest that would be my first recommendation.

    If beer is not your thing then a white wine that uses orchard fruit or ripe apple in its description would be good.  This could be an unoaked Chardonnay, a Sparkling, a Vouvray (same as Chenin Blanc).  Some ripe Rieslings can also have this profile.

    For a red.... look for a German Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir).  This is one of Germany's most common red wines- fruity, a bit earthy and a bit spicy.  It tends to be a bit softer and rounder than a New Zealand Pinot but it is very versatile.

    German Potato Pancakes

    Author: Carolyn Hetke

    If you tried this, or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know it went in the 📝 comments below!

    5 from 2 votes
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    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
    Total Time: 40 minutes mins
    Servings: 8 pancakes

    Ingredients

    • 5 medium potatoes I like Yukon Gold
    • 3 medium onions
    • 4 generous Tbsps flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Peel and dice onions.
    • Peel and grate potatoes. (See notes above).
    • Mix onions, potatoes, flour and salt in a large bowl.
    • Heat vegetable oil in one or 2 large skillets. Pour about ¾-1 cup of potato mixture into the pan. Flatten with a spatula. Don't over crowd the pancakes.
    • Cook uncovered on low heat about 10 minutes per side. Check for doneness since the thickness of the pancake can affect cook time.
    • Serve with a sour cream and/or apple sauce on the side.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thewineloverski or tag #thewineloverski!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kelly Rose Bailey

      March 16, 2024 at 10:30 pm

      What adjustments do I need to make to if I want to omit the onions?

      Reply
      • Carolyn Hetke

        March 19, 2024 at 4:16 pm

        I would say you should add 2 eggs and increase the flour to 6 or 7 TBsps. Start with 6 and see if the pancake will hold together. If not add the 7th.

        Reply
    2. ralph hetke

      January 23, 2022 at 7:51 am

      5 stars
      Very good

      Reply
    3. Shelley

      March 21, 2020 at 9:03 am

      If you like spicy, add a few crushed chilies.

      Reply
      • thewineloverskitchen

        March 25, 2020 at 12:51 pm

        Good idea! You could also use a hot sauce as a condiment to spice them up!

        Reply

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