German Potato Salad Recipe

A flavorful potato salad featuring bacon, onions, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing.

German Potato Salad, or Kartoffelsalat, is a traditional dish deeply rooted in German culture and cuisine. Unlike its creamy American counterpart, German Potato Salad features a tangy vinegar-based dressing and is often served warm, making it a comforting and unique side dish that stands out at any gathering. The contrasting flavors of smoky bacon, tangy vinegar, and sweet onions create a symphony of taste that's both nostalgic and novel.

This recipe has been passed down through generations, maintaining its rustic charm and robust flavors. It's perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. The ingredients are humble, but when combined and prepared with love and attention, they transform into a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. With this detailed recipe, you'll be able to recreate this classic dish that's sure to impress any crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of small red potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 6 slices of bacon, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: ~230 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Begin by placing the scrubbed potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, in a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet, discarding the rest.
3. Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Make sure not to let them brown too much; lower the heat if necessary.
4. Prepare Dressing: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the chicken broth, white vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Ingredients: While the dressing simmers, slice the cooked potatoes into thick rounds or bite-size chunks, depending on your preference. Place the warm potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked bacon and pour the warm dressing over the potatoes. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much.
6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the potato salad to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your authentic German Potato Salad!

Enjoy your delicious and traditionally inspired German Potato Salad! This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to connect with German culinary traditions. Feel free to experiment with the quantities of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste.

For an extra touch, consider adding some finely chopped pickles or celery seeds to the salad. These additions can introduce new levels of complexity to the flavor profile. And remember, this salad can be prepared ahead of time; simply warm it up before serving for the best experience.