Bratkartoffeln

Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)

Also known as:

German Cottage Potatoes with Bacon

Ingredients:

                     1 lb. potatoes, about 5 medium

          2 - 3 oz of bacon (2-3 strips) chopped. “Bauchspeck” or Shaller and Weber double smoked  bacon are recommended, but American bacon can be used
          1 T. butter
                 1/4 c. finely chopped onion
          1/4 tsp. marjoram (optional)

                      1/4 tsp caraway seed (optional)

                      Salt and pepper, to taste

                      Fresh parsley, to sprinkle on top before serving (optional)

Directions:

Scrub whole potatoes of the same size and cook in salted water until easily pierced with a fork. Let cool and peel while still warm. Potatoes can be cooked several hours ahead. Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in a large frying pan (11 or 12 inches) until limp. Remove from pan but keep grease in pan.  Add the butter and melt, but don't brown.                        

Slice the cold potatoes into 1/4 inch slices (5 mm) and place a single layer in the hot fat. Place any extra potatoes on top of the first layer. Sprinkle the potatoes with the onions and bacon and let them cook over medium heat for 10 - 15 minutes. Flip them when they become golden brown on the underside, but don't stir them. Sprinkle with marjoram, caraway, salt and pepper and cook for 5 - 10 more minutes. Add more butter if necessary, to facilitate browning.

In Germany, these potatoes are traditionally served with fried eggs, pickles and green salad.

Notes: There are two main tricks to making great pan-fried potatoes. Start them in a single layer in the pan with plenty of fat and do not put a cover on the pan. These potatoes will take 20 - 30 minutes to cook a crispy, golden brown but the wait is worth it. Do not use baking potatoes, as they are too flaky.  You can use a non-stick pan, but the potatoes still need a lot of butter and grease to brown properly. This is an occasional treat for most people due to the high fat content, but they sure are good.

Note from Helga:  usually Mom just fried up the sliced potatoes without any bacon or onions, but I included this recipe because it is a German classic.