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Reibekuchen, the authentic German potato pancakes, hold a cherished place in the culinary landscape of Germany. These crispy, golden delights are not just a dish; they represent a piece of the country’s cultural heritage. Every bite of Reibekuchen brings forth a symphony of flavors and textures that evoke memories of family gatherings, festive markets, and home-cooked comfort. Whether served as a delightful appetizer, a side dish, or a stand-alone snack, these potato pancakes are beloved by many for their simplicity and satisfying nature.

Authentic German Potato Pancakes

Discover the joy of making authentic German Potato Pancakes, or Reibekuchen! This easy recipe combines grated potatoes and onions with a touch of seasoning, creating crispy, golden treats. Simply grate, mix, fry, and enjoy with applesauce or sour cream for a perfect bite. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can bring a taste of Germany to your table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium-sized potatoes (about 2 pounds)

1 small onion, finely grated

1 large egg

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Vegetable oil for frying

Applesauce or sour cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Grate them using a box grater or food processor. If you choose a food processor, use the grating attachment. Place the grated potatoes into a large bowl filled with cold water to prevent browning.

    Squeeze Out Excess Liquid: After grating, drain the potatoes in a strainer. Once drained, place them on a clean kitchen towel and twist the towel to wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for getting crispy pancakes.

      Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely grated onion, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil (about 1/4 inch deep) to cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, but not smoking.

          Fry the Pancakes: Using a spoon or your hands, drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

            Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the pancakes and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

              Serve: Serve the potato pancakes hot with applesauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side. Enjoy your deliciously crispy and authentic German potato pancakes!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4