How to Make Delicious German Potato Salad

German potato salad is a savoury side dish that is enjoyed in many parts of the world. It is a traditional German recipe that is a popular addition to barbecues, picnics and family gatherings. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion. If you are looking to try something new and delicious, then this recipe is just for you!

To make German potato salad, you will need a few simple ingredients. Potatoes, bacon, onion, vinegar and sugar are the main components of this recipe. It is important to choose the right type of potato, as some varieties may break apart during cooking. Once you have all of the ingredients, it’s time to get started! With a little bit of patience and some basic cooking skills, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients to make German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad is a warm and hearty classic side dish for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry and the best part is that it is customizable to fit your taste preferences. Here are the ingredients that you will need.

Potatoes

The main ingredient in German Potato Salad is of course potatoes. You’ll want to use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for this recipe as they hold their shape well and don’t turn into mush. It is recommended to boil potatoes before you begin to make the salad.

Bacon

This recipe is made with bacon to give it a smoky flavor. The bacon should be finely chopped and cooked until crispy. The rendered fat will be used in the dressing to give it an extra flavor boost.

Onions

Onions are a key flavor component in German Potato Salad. They are used raw or sautéed in this recipe depending upon the type of texture as preferred.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is the acid needed in the dressing to give it a tangy flavor. It pairs well with the potatoes and bacon, and the addition of a little bit of sugar helps to balance the flavors.

Water and Chicken Broth

You will need some chicken broth to help bring flavors out and a little bit of water to help thin out the dressing. Ideally, you can make your own chicken broth with chicken bones, onion, carrot, and celery to use in the recipe.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard offers a bit of sharpness to the dressing of German Potato Salad. You can use the yellow mustard if you prefer milder flavor.

Sugar

A little bit of sugar is added to the recipe to balance the flavors.

Seasonings

Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley are added to the recipe to enhance the flavors.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch may be needed to thicken up the dressing.

Paprika (Optional)

Paprika can be used to garnish German Potato Salad to add a flavorful finish to the dish.

Directions to Make German Potato Salad

1. Clean potatoes and boil them in salt-infused water for about 15-20 minutes, until they are fully cooked. Make sure not to overcook them, as they will fall apart.

2. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the heat, drain them, and let them cool down for 10 minutes. Cut them into bite-size pieces and set aside.

3. Using a skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, and set it on a plate lined with paper towels.

4. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add in diced onions and sauté them in the bacon grease until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize.

5. Add chicken broth, water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, and seasonings to the skillet and stir them together until they are well-mixed.

6. Mix in the cornstarch and continue stirring until the dressing thickens up a bit.

7. Add in the cooked potatoes and bacon, and toss them together to evenly coat them in the dressing.

8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and paprika.

9. Allow the German Potato Salad to cool down slightly before serving.

Conclusion

German Potato Salad is a classic favorite that is perfect for any time of the year. The salad is a perfect compliment to a grilled bratwurst, pork tenderloin, or any German-style cuisine. With its tangy, smoky flavor, it’s no wonder people have been making it for generations. Next time you are in search of a hearty side dish, give this German Potato Salad recipe a try!

Gather Your Ingredients

When it comes to making authentic German potato salad, the ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious, traditional version of this classic dish.

Potatoes

The most important ingredient in German potato salad is, of course, the potatoes. You’ll want to choose a waxy variety of potato, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which are firmer and hold their shape better than mealy potatoes. Aim for about 2 pounds of potatoes for a recipe that serves 4-6 people.

Bacon

Bacon is a must-have ingredient in German potato salad. You’ll want to use thick-cut bacon and cook it until crispy before crumbling it up and adding it to the salad. Be sure to reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon grease to use later in the dressing.

Onion

The onion adds a sweet and pungent flavor to the potato salad. You can use either a red onion or a yellow onion for this recipe. Be sure to finely chop the onion so that it blends into the salad evenly.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a key ingredient in the dressing for German potato salad. You’ll want to use a white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which adds a tangy flavor to the salad.

Sugar

German potato salad is known for its sweet and sour dressing, and sugar is the key to achieving that balance. Use granulated sugar to add just the right amount of sweetness to the salad.

Mustard

A good quality German mustard is a must-have ingredient in this potato salad recipe. The mustard adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps to emulsify the dressing.

Salt and Pepper

Don’t forget to season your potato salad with salt and pepper to taste. The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, while the pepper adds a slight kick.

Celery Seed

Celery seed is a traditional ingredient in German potato salad that adds a subtle herbal flavor. You can find celery seed in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.

Chives

Chopped fresh chives add a bright, oniony flavor to German potato salad. You can find chives in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Parsley

Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor to the potato salad. You can use either flat-leaf or curly parsley, depending on your preference.

Ingredient List for German Potato Salad

German potato salad is a delicious and hearty side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The ingredients used in this dish are simple and easy to find, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this delicious salad:

Preparing the Potatoes

The first step in making German potato salad is to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing the potatoes and then placing them in a large pot of boiling water. Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon until it is crispy and then remove it from the pan. Leave the bacon grease in the pan for later use.

Next, slice the onion into thin pieces and add it to the bacon grease. Saute the onion until it is soft and golden brown.

Making the Dressing

To make the dressing for the German potato salad, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Pour the dressing over the cooked onions and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened slightly.

Putting It All Together

Once the dressing is ready, add the cooked potatoes to the pan with the onions and gently stir to combine. Add the bacon to the pan and stir once more.

Finally, chop the parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the German potato salad. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Perfect German Potato Salad

– Choose firm and waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes for the best texture.
– Be sure to cut the potatoes into even pieces for even cooking.
– Let the potatoes cool slightly before adding the dressing so that they can absorb the flavors.
– Adjust the sweetness and acidity of your dressing to your preference by adjusting the amount of sugar and vinegar used.
– You can also add other ingredients like diced celery, chopped pickles, or chives to add more flavor to your German potato salad.

Enjoy Your German Potato Salad

I hope you have learned how to make a delicious German potato salad by now. Remember, the key is to select and cook the potatoes and bacon to perfection, and to balance the flavors of the dressing according to your taste. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped herbs and crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch. Thank you for reading, and I hope you come back soon for more delightful recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!