The first time I had Kartoffel Puffer, I was in Germany and it was Christmas-time. I was in heaven. If you haven’t experienced Christmas in Germany, you’re really missing out. It’s fabulous.
The air smells of Christmas (at least what Christmas smells like to me) – Gluehwein (hot, spiced wine), apples, cinnamon, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and kartoffel puffer.
When I returned home a few months later, I was eager to share my “discovery” with Jonathan. But, of course, he already knew what they were. So, we tried to make them at home.
Something wasn’t quite right though. We learned what it was from Jonathan’s Oma (Grandma) who’s German. Apples. You can’t have truly great Kartoffel Puffer without apples.
Sure, most recipes say you don’t need them, but they don’t know the whole truth. Thankfully, you do.
Now, go into the kitchen, and make yourself some of these delicious treats (and, treats is right – they’re not the healthiest of foods, but that should mean you’ll enjoy them that much more).
Kartoffel Puffer
SERVES 4-5 , 2-3 cakes per serving
Ingredients
* 6 medium potatoes, peeled
* 1 medium onion
* 1 medium apple, peeled
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* cooking oil
* applesauce, for serving
Directions
1. Grate potatoes and onion. Stir in eggs, flour and salt immediately.
2. Heat cooking oil -about 1 Tablespoon per batch.
3. Using a one/third-cup metal measuring cup, scoop up some potato-onion mixture, and spread in a circle in the pan. Flatten out a bit, into a cake. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy around edges.
4. Transfer cakes to a warm plate or keep warm in the oven. Best when served immediately with a dollup of applesauce.
That is what I grew up calling “Latkes”. I make them every year for Chanukah; in fact, in Vermont, I earned the title of “Latke Queen”. Yes, apple sauce is wonderful with them, but have your tried it with sour cream??? Or made them with carrots or spinach? Not to be missed! Come on back to Panama and I will make you some.
I love keeping up with your travels!!!
Love,
Joyce
Hi Joyce! We did actually try them with sour cream that night. Pretty good! I’ve heard them called Latkes as well. But, I’ve never tried them from the “Latke Queen”. I look forward to it! Thanks for the offer! I’ll definitely have to try them with spinach. Sounds delicious. Thanks again!
Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I remember my Oma making these for me as a little girl and what memories have come flooding back….. The smell, the taste, it’s just wonderful to remember those carefree days of childhood and all from a simple pancake. As a child I always stuffed myself with them coated in a layer of cinnamon and sugar. We also ate noodle this way. Definitely a must try! Plain spaghetti noodles with a little melted butter (just enough to get the sugar and cinnamon to stick) and a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon. It is simple but soooo tasty. (and an economic dessert when feeding a pile of children)
Thanks again Lisa