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1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade, grate the potatoes. You can also use the fine side of the grater for a smoother texture.
2. Drain the Potatoes:
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step helps in achieving crispier pancakes.
3. Grate the Onion:
- Peel and grate the small onion using the same method as the potatoes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The flour helps to bind the ingredients together.
5. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan for frying.
6. Form Pancakes:
- Once the oil is hot, take a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture and carefully place it into the hot oil, flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon or a spatula to form a pancake shape. You can fit multiple pancakes in the pan but make sure they don’t overcrowd.
7. Fry the Pancakes:
- Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over.
8. Drain Excess Oil:
- Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Keep Warm:
- To keep the cooked pancakes warm while you finish frying the rest, you can place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C).
10. Serve:
- Serve the German Potato Pancakes hot, with your choice of toppings. Traditional accompaniments include applesauce or sour cream. Some people also enjoy them with a sprinkle of sugar.
Tips:
- For variations, you can add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Experiment with the thickness of the pancakes to achieve your preferred texture—thinner pancakes tend to be crisper.
- Be cautious while flipping the pancakes to prevent splattering hot oil.
German Potato Pancakes make a delicious appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Enjoy the crispy goodness of these traditional treats!