Welcome and welcome to a new recipe for Paulina Kitchen! On this occasion we will enjoy a delight that comes from Germany but has achieved a place at the table of many countries of the world: German salad.
If there is something that the Germans know how to do well, in addition to beer and sausages, it is the potato salad , and if they still did not try it, I recommend that they take note of this recipe and incorporate it into their list of favorite salads, because it will love them!
In this note we will know all the details about the German potato salad, from its history, its characteristics, to the ingredients it carries and all the secrets to prepare the German salad recipe at home. AUF Wiedersehen!
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About the German salad
The German salad , also known as German salad or German salad of potatoes and sausages , is a traditional recipe from Germany, which combines simple but full of flavor ingredients.
The basis of this salad is in cooked potatoes (potatoes) , usually accompanied by sausages, onion, pipinillos , and a mustard vinaigrette that gives it that characteristic acid touch.
- The authentic German salad or kartoffelsalat in its original language, is a perfect accompaniment for grilled dishes, such as meat skewers , but it can also be the main dish in a light meal, and it is very common to serve it as an entrance to the Christmas holidays or celebrations .
Generally the German potato salad is served with sausages, which can be cut, inside the salad or whole, as accompaniment. It is also usually served with Chucrut , another German gastronomy classic.
History of the German potato salad
The German potato salad has its roots in the regions of southern Germany, especially in Bavaria.
- Although there are many variations today, the original recipe goes back centuries, when German peasants needed a nutritional, economical and easy to prepare dish .
In the beginning, this salad did not include sausages or other sausages. It was simply a mixture of cooked potatoes with a vinaigrette . Over time, ingredients such as sausages, pipinillos and onions were added, which gave rise to the recipe we know today.
Tradition around the German potato salad
In its country of origin, the German potato salad is much more than a simple accompaniment. It is a symbol of gastronomic culture, and each region has its own version of the recipe.
- For example, in Bavaria, the German potato salad is served temperate , while in northern Germany cold is preferred.
The authentic German salad is usually the star dish in family celebrations, picnics or barbecues and, of course, in the famous beer parties. In these festivities, it is common to see great tables full of different types of salads, where the potato salad always occupies a preponderant place.
5 Characteristics of the German salad
- Versatile: It can be served both temperate and cold, which makes it perfect for any occasion.
- Balanced flavor: the combination of potatoes, sausages, onion and pepinillos, along with the vinaigrette, creates a perfect balance between acidic, sweet and salty flavors.
- Ease of preparation: with basic ingredients and a simple cooking process, this salad is accessible to any kitchen level.
- Authenticity: The authentic recipe respects tradition, but also allows variations that adapt to personal tastes. It usually happens that each family has its own version.
- Multiple textures : soft potatoes combine with the crispy texture of onion and pickles, and with tender sausages.
What should an authentic German salad have?
- Firm but tender potatoes: potatoes are the soul of the German potato salad . They must be cooked to the right point to maintain their shape without getting rid.
- Quality sausages: Although some modern versions omit the sausages, an authentic German salad must include them. They can be Bratwurst or Frankfurt sausages. You can also try to prepare it with homemade sausages , for a healthier option.
- Even cucumber: homemade pickles , in this case the pickles, provide the necessary acid touch to balance the taste of the German salad.
- Fresh onion: its crispy and slightly spicy flavor is essential to give personality to German potatoes.
- Well emulsified vinaigrette: Mustard, vinegar and oil, it must have a soft consistency that adheres well to potatoes. You can also add some homemade mayonnaise or cream, if a more creamy consistency is sought .
7 key tips for making a perfect German salad
- Choose the appropriate potatoes: it is important that they are zerous potatoes, so that they maintain their form after cooking.
- Cooking: potatoes should be cooked in salt water until they are tender but firm. If you cooked and cut, splash of vinegar can be added to prevent them from getting rid of.
- Use authentic sausages: The best are typically German sausages that have a smoked flavor and make a difference.
- Balanced vinaigrette: vinaigrette for German salad is important The ideal is to do it in a bottle with a lid so that all the ingredients can be stirred and integrate.
- Rest time: let the German potato salad rest before serving. This allows flavors and vinaigrette to concentrate more.
- Serving temperate or cold: although in Bavaria it is served temperate, the cold version is also delicious. It depends on personal taste and occasion.
- Colorful presentation: When serving, place the salad on a nice plate and decorate with fresh or parsley chives .
German salad variations
- German potato and egg salad: a popular option that adds hard egg to the recipe to give more body and texture to the mixture.
- German salad with apple: in this case the apple brings a fresh and sweet touch that contrasts with acid flavors.
- Vegan German potato salad: For an animalless version, sausages are replaced by tofu or seitan , or directly can be omitted.
- German salad with bacon: this version also carries a broth, to give more flavor to the potatoes, and some pieces of crunchy bacon on top. It is usually served temperate or ambient temperature.
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German salad recipe
Yields: 4 - 6 portions
Preparation time : 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg of zeros
- 4 Bratwursst or Frankfurt sausages
- 1 red onion, finely chopped or 1 large scallion (green onion)
- 200 g of pickled pepinillos, cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons of mustard
- 4 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives (ciboulette) or fresh parsley to decorate
How to make German potato salad and sausages step by step
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Cook them in salt water, with a splash of vinegar, until they are tender but firm . Drain and let cool.
- Cook the sausages in hot water or the grill. Cut them into slices once cooked.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes , sausages, onion and pickles.
- For vinaigrette , mix the mustard, vinegar and oil in a bottle, cover and stir well until emulsified.
- Add the vinaigrette to the salad, salt and pepper to taste and mix gently so that all ingredients are well permeated.
- Let stand in the refrigerator for a cold salad, or ambient temperature, if you prefer tempered. Before serving, decorate with chives or chopped fresh parsley.
