Ah, German potato salad! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, a dish that somehow manages to be both tangy and comforting all at once. I first tasted this delight at a small Oktoberfest party last year, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.
The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and that unmistakable vinegar punch—it’s a party for your taste buds! Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Berlin or just craving something homey, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Steps
- Begin by boiling the peeled and diced potatoes until they are tender, then drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- In a skillet, fry the bacon until it’s crispy, and set it aside. Use the leftover bacon grease to sauté the chopped onion, enhancing its flavor.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper in the skillet with the onions and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cooled potatoes and half of the crispy bacon to the boiling liquid, stirring until everything is heated through.
- Transfer the potato mixture to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- Waxy potatoes (such as New Potatoes or Yukon Gold)
- Bacon
- Onion
- White vinegar
- White sugar
- Water
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley
FAQ
- What makes German potato salad different from the American version?
- German potato salad is distinct from its American counterpart as it uses a vinegar-based dressing made with bacon drippings, unlike the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing used in American potato salads. It is typically served warm rather than cold.
- What type of potatoes should I use for German potato salad?
- Waxy potatoes, such as New Potatoes, are recommended because they maintain their shape well during cooking. Yukon Gold is another suitable option as an all-purpose variety.
- How should I store leftover German potato salad?
- Store your leftover German potato salad in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to five days. Reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, to retain moisture.
- Can German potato salad be frozen?
- Yes, German potato salad freezes better than mayonnaise-based potato salads. Once completely cooled, you can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
- What dishes pair well with German potato salad?
- German potato salad is a great addition to potlucks or picnics. It pairs well with dishes like Classic Macaroni Salad, Squash Casserole, and Summer Fruit Salad.
Tips
- Choose waxy potatoes like New Potatoes or Yukon Gold to maintain their shape and texture in the salad.
- Fry the onions in the bacon grease to enhance the dish’s flavor complexity, thanks to the added richness from the bacon fat.
- When reheating leftover potato salad, cover it with foil in the oven to keep the potatoes moist and prevent them from drying out.
- If you don’t have white wine vinegar, consider substituting with plain white vinegar and a splash of white wine for a similar tangy flavor.
Equipment
- Heavy Skillet or Frying Pan: If you don’t have a suitable skillet for frying bacon and cooking onions in bacon grease, you might need a durable, non-stick or cast-iron skillet.
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes. If you don’t have one, a large pot with a lid is necessary.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for mixing the potato salad ingredients. A set of mixing bowls might be required if you don’t have them.
- Airtight Containers: For storing leftovers. Containers that are specifically designed for food storage would be helpful.
