If you are a food enthusiast, you would know that German cuisine has evolved as a national cuisine through several centuries of political and social change on variations from region to region. Few regions of Germany like the neighboring Swabia or Bavaria has been known to share dishes with the Austrian cuisine and also few of the Swiss cuisines.
It is no surprise to learn that The Michelin Guide in the year 2015 awarded eleven restaurants in Germany with three stars, which is the highest designation. Also, 38 other restaurants also received two stars and 233 one star.
The very typical home fries are one of the most loved potato side dishes across the globe. They are a basic potato dish which is made by pan or skillet fried potatoes cut in various ways like chunked, wedged, diced or sliced potatoes which may sometimes be unpeeled and par-cooked by either boiling, microwaving, steaming or even baking.
Almost all the German restaurants and even the households would have one recipe for sure, The Bratkartoffelnor better known as German fried potatoes.
German friend potatoes also referred to as German Fries is one type of fries or rather a preparation of fries in which potatoes of uniform sizes and shapes are sliced and fried or deep fried and prepared with various other additional ingredients like bacon, onion, and green pepper. Dishes by these names were listed in various American and British cookbooks during the 1870s. In Germany, these fries are called: Bratkartoffeln
With regard to the United States: History
During World War I in the United States, Germany was an enemy of the United States, hence “German” names of places like Berlin or Ohio and even the adjective “German” were often removed from the American language. By the end 1918, “French Fries” was shortened and only “fries” was used which had become one of the popular dishes in both Canada and United States. At this time, as U.S was opposed to Germany the dish was occasionally mentioned to by the name of “American Fries” during this period.
Preparation
For preparing this German dish called Bratkartoffeln, you need to have a pan ready for frying or deep frying the potatoes. Good quality potatoes and the additional ingredients like cooked bacon, green pepper and onion will make the dish more enjoyable. You will also find some versions of the dish being prepared with thinly cut slices of potatoes as well. To add an extra flavor paprika may be used.
German fires are served by restaurants as a side dish. Also, it may be served with Schnitzel or even as an accompaniment to sausages like bauernwurst making it more delicious.
Recipe
German Style Fried Potatoes with bacon and onion: Bratkartoffeln
Tip: cooking the potatoes the night before and keeping in the fridge overnight before slicing them would help the potatoes from falling apart. This would ensure that your dish is prepared a whole lot better.
German Fries is a traditional German-style Bratkartoffeln, which makes a hearty side dish for all your favorite German meals.
Ingredients
To make 3 to 4 servings you will need:
- 600-700 g small potatoes which need to be boiled with their skins. Peel them and then place the potatoes in the fridge overnight.
- One medium sized onion, finely chopped.
- Bacon or speck, around four slices which have been cut into small cubes
- Olive oil and butter 2-3 teaspoons.
- Seasonings like salt and pepper as per taste.
Method
- First, slice the potatoes into thin slices about 3mm and then keep them aside.
- Start adding about one tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan. Let it heat gently.
- Once it is heated, add the onions to fry till they become soft.
- Add the bacon pieces with onions and stir fry for some time.
- Continue frying the onion and bacon till they are lightly browned. After this remove those from the pan using a slotted spoon. Set aside for some time and get back to other preparations.
- Add the oil and butter to the pan and start frying the potato slices by turning them occasionally over a low to medium flame carefully making sure they do not burn. Just allow them to brown lightly one side before you turn
- Repeat the process until most of the potatoes are golden brown.
- Once the potatoes get almost done, put back, the onion and bacon mix prepared earlier to the pan.
- You can season it with salt and plenty of black pepper.
- Sauté or continue to fry over a low flame for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and add more seasoning if there is a need. Place the prepared dish in a serving bowl.
- You can garnish it with finely chopped parsley and serve hot to enjoy the dish.
This dish can be prepared a day prior as well. To reheat, place the prepared recipe without the parsley in a covered ovenproof dish and then heat it in a 350-degree oven for around 30 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated. After this garnish with parsley and serve hot. You can make 3-4 servings with the given ingredients.
If you are in a hurry, you may also pierce the potatoes using a fork and then place them in the microwave for few minutes before you slice them or fry them. It would help the potatoes to soften and cook more quickly as they would otherwise naturally in the frying pan.
The main ingredient potato is full of carbohydrates and vitamin C, which acts as an anti-oxidant. The humble and versatile potato can be prepared in several ways, and one of the most delicious ones is Bratkartoffeln. The classic German fries is one of the traditional side dishes which is made in every household. You can enjoy this quick bite potato fries with your dear family and friends anytime. You can become a bit creative and even add your flavors and seasoning as per your choice and make it a dish to relish on your next big family event. As Bratkartoffeln is easy to make, let your inner chef out and make this classic German dish and get ready to receive praises from your dear ones.