German Kartoffelsalat is a traditional German potato salad renowned for its distinctive flavors. Made without mayonnaise, this salad relies on a warm bacon vinaigrette to create a unique combination of tangy and slightly sweet tastes. Served warm, it’s a classic side dish often featured at gatherings, especially in southern Germany. Each bite is a delicious journey into the heart of German cuisine.
| Country | Germany |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Side Dish |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (about 700g) waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Boil until they are fork-tender, usually 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool until you can handle them. Then, peel and slice them into thin rounds.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion in the bacon fat until it’s translucent.
- Make the Dressing: Add the chicken or vegetable broth, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the onions. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring to combine the ingredients well.
- Combine and Toss: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl. Pour the warm dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- Add Crumbled Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes.
- Garnish: Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the salad.
- Serve Warm: German Kartoffelsalat is traditionally served warm. Enjoy your homemade potato salad!
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Some variations include adding a bit of Dijon mustard for extra tang.
- Vegetarians can make this without bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
Tips or Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced pickles or chopped hard-boiled eggs to your Kartoffelsalat.
- Be sure to dress the salad while the potatoes are still warm so they can absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- While there are various types of potato salad around the world, this specific warm vinaigrette-based German Kartoffelsalat is particularly popular in southern Germany.
Allergen Checklist:
- Contains meat (bacon). The bacon can be omitted to make a vegetarian version.
