The word Reibekuchen literally translates into grated cake. Like most ethnic food everyone has their own version of “authentic” so you can definitely adjust the ingredients a bit to suit your taste. But don’t stray too far from the recipe or you won’t have a real Reibekuchen!
I decided to grill a few beer brats for dinner and wanted something other than our usual potato salad or corn on the cob side dish. Since brats are a German favorite I thought it would be a nice change to make a German side dish as well.
First I grated about 1/2 an onion.
Then I grated 1 1/2 lbs. of russet potatoes. I mixed the potatoes and onions to combine them and squeezed the mixture to get rid of the excess liquid.
I added 2 beaten eggs and the flour.
The seasonings and flour were added to the mix. I stirred it gently until everything was well combined.
Then I heated a skillet and added some oil to fry the Reibekuchen. After that it was simply a matter of forming the pancakes and laying them gently into the oil. When I could see the bottom edges had browned I turned the Reibekuchen over and finished browning them. We like them really crispy!
I drain the pancakes on paper towels but I don’t stack them!
Applesauce is a very traditional topping but I go for the sour cream!
Reibekuchen
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. russet potatoes
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- Wash and peel the potatoes
- Grate the potatoes and onion over a large bowl
- Squeeze the excess moisture out with your hands or in a clean, lint-free towel
- Mix eggs and flour with potato mixture
- Add salt, pepper, parsley, and nutmeg
- Stir with a wooden spoon to thoroughly combine
- Heat oil in a large skillet
- Pat some of the potato mixture into a pancake with your hands and gently lay in the skillet
- Flatten the potato mixture to make it uniformly thick
- Fry until the bottom edges are browned then flip over and fry until browned and crispy
Drain on paper towels but do not stack the pancakes.