Kartoffelsalat
Posted on 16. Jul, 2011 by sandra in Uncategorized
Kartoffelsalat- potato salad.
Have you ever gone into a store and seen the German potato salad that’s for sale? Myself I always pass this and rather not even want to look at it, as its certainly not what i’m used to and assuming most Germans are not accustomed likewise as to what you can purchase in the US stores.
Two basic types of potato salad are made in Germany. In the North, the potatoes are held together with mayonnaise. In the southern regions of Swabia and Bavaria and in Austria, Kartoffelsalat is mixed with hot broth, oil and vinegar.
There is a great variety of ways to make potato salad and even family tradition play a role on how its made, in my family its well known the ingredients are extensive if not outrageous as apples and sour pickles are added to give it a flavor like none other.
Over the years daughters ( Töchter ) were taught to make ( machen) this special potato salad ( Kartoffelsalad) and until recently had no idea how to make it myself, but over the coarse managed to find the secret recipe ( Rezept)
Of course I will not share the full recipe, otherwise it will no longer be a secret family recipe, but will share with you what the overall ingredients are in order for you to make this-in fact, its all too easy.
What is important is to boil the potatoes with skin at least 8 large ones, the best are actually Yukon Gold if your in the US, ones cooled at room temp. you let it stand for one night covered in a bowl. This brings out the aroma of the potato itself.
Peel and slice them quite roughly in a large bowl, ones you have that, you add one whole onion sliced into tiny cubes, as small as possible. Two granny smith Apples are added, likewise you make small cubes, then you boil three eggs ( Eier) , let them cool and add those as well.
Then you slice a red bell pepper into this as well, cut into cubes likewise, with sour pickles, preferably the polish ones, not the american standard ones and one fresh cucumber sliced in cubes.
Add a teaspoon of sugar and salt with black pepper and mustard about a tablespoon, an entire jar of mayonnaise and herbs…
Yes, Herbs, that is the secret. Chives are a good to use, but fresh thyme is an excellent herb to use as well. Be mindful not too use to much of all this however-
Ones everything is in one whole bowl, you start mixing with two large spoons, be careful not to destroy the potatoes as they need to stay sliced and not become one whole smashed potato salad.
Put everything in the refrigerator and let it stand for a few hours-
Serving size: 12 people.
