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German potato salad is a classic dish that combines tender potatoes with a tangy dressing, bacon, and fresh herbs. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this German potato salad recipe is sure to impress.
Equipment Needed
To make German potato salad, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Skillet: For cooking the bacon and onion, and for making the dressing.
- Knife: For chopping the onion, parsley, and cooked bacon.
- Cutting board: For preparing ingredients.
- Large bowl: For tossing the salad with the dressing.
- Stirring utensil: For mixing the salad ingredients and dressing.
- Serving dish: For serving the potato salad.
Optional:
- Potato masher: If you prefer a slightly mashed potato salad texture.
- Slotted spoon: For removing the potatoes from the pot.
- Tongs: For tossing the salad ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- HIC Kitchen 2-In-1 Mix N’Masher: Versatile stainless steel tool mashes and mixes potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and eggs in one utensil; reduces prep time and utensil use for everyday and holiday cooking
- Durable Materials: Made from 18/8 stainless steel; sturdy, durable, and won’t rust; one-piece construction with no crevices for food buildup; measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 10.5-inches for easy handling and storage
German Potato Salad Recipe
Here’s a classic German potato salad recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and mustard to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Cut the cooled potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Pour the warm dressing over the potatoes and toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your homemade German potato salad!
Important Tips
To ensure success when making German potato salad, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better when cooked and have a creamy texture.
- Cook Potatoes Properly: Boil the potatoes whole with the skin on to retain their flavor and nutrients. Cook them until they are just tender but not mushy. Overcooking can lead to a mushy salad.
- Cool Potatoes Correctly: After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before peeling and slicing. This helps them retain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft.
- Use a Tangy Dressing: The dressing for German potato salad is typically vinegar-based, which adds a tangy flavor. Use a combination of vinegar, sugar, and mustard for the dressing, adjusting the quantities to suit your taste.
- Add Flavorful Ingredients: Besides the dressing, bacon, onion, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives are often added to German potato salad for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sugar to balance the flavors to your liking.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: German potato salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference. However, letting it sit for a while before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
- Store and Reheat Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic German potato salad that is sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Store
To store German potato salad, follow these steps:
- Cool the Salad: Allow the potato salad to cool to room temperature after preparing it.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 3-4 days to ensure freshness.
- Avoid Freezing: Potato salad does not freeze well due to its mayonnaise-based dressing. Freezing can change the texture of the potatoes and make the salad watery when thawed.
- Serve Chilled: Before serving leftover potato salad, give it a good stir and allow it to come to the desired temperature. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, according to your preference.
German Potato Salad Calorie
The calorie content of German potato salad can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. However, a typical serving (about 1 cup or 240 grams) of homemade German potato salad made with the ingredients listed in the recipe above contains approximately 250-300 calories.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the calorie content by ingredient:
- Potatoes: 200-250 calories
- Bacon: 50-100 calories
- Onion: 10-20 calories
- Chicken broth: 5-10 calories
- White vinegar: 5 calories
- Sugar: 15-20 calories
- Dijon mustard: negligible calories
- Parsley: negligible calories
Keep in mind that the calorie content can vary based on portion size and any modifications or additions to the recipe.
German potato salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is simple to prepare. With its combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Add this German potato salad recipe to your collection and enjoy a taste of Germany in your own home.
