When you think of German cuisine, ‘beer and bratwurst’ may pop into your mind. Although this is common within German markets, there’s so much more out there to discover. You’ve probably not even heard of some of the delicious delicacies that Germany is known for, and you’ll regret not finding them sooner. Each dish is packed full of flavor and you’ll find yourself wanting to try even more.
It may not be so easy to jump on a plane to Germany, but you can make these dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
If you’ve recently had your space transformed into a German home kitchen, what better way of settling in than trying some of these recipes?
Beef Roulades
The German delicacy of beef roulades is thin cuts of the meat rolled around a filling of your choice. These are often known to be rolled around a pickle, mustard, onion, and bacon mix, creating a great combination of flavors. It’s not expensive to make as the cuts of beef don’t need to be high-end, and it’s made with a sauce of your choosing. The sauce can be simple with just some beef broth or you can mix it up by using vegetables and cream. This recipe states that you can use wine in your sauce, but if this does not sound good to you, it can be left out. You can adapt the recipe how you like to fit your individual tastes. If you have some spare time, it'll be a great dish to make, as the beef will need 2 hours to braise. Once you’ve tried this dish, there’s no doubt it’ll become a common meal in your home.
Sauerkraut
If you’re looking to widen your palette, sauerkraut is definitely something to try. It can be eaten hot and cold, making it a dish you can have for lunch, dinner, or even just as a snack. It’s certainly not going to break the bank buying ingredients as all you need is salt and cabbage. The only issue with this recipe is you’ll have to wait a week before you can dig in. Sauerkraut needs to go through a process of Lacto-fermentation where it’s stored for a week in water. This enhances the flavors and introduces good bacteria into your diet. Since sauerkraut can last a while, it is worth the wait. Once it’s made, you’ll have enough to dig into to keep you satisfied until the next batch.
Apple Strudel
If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter to try, then this recipe is for you. It’s bound to become your new favorite dessert with the spiced apple filling taking the crown. The crust is made using dough, creating a flaky, buttery sensation when you take a bite. The filling doesn’t just stop with apples as it is prepared alongside rum-soaked raisins and almonds. Don’t let the idea of making dough from scratch frighten you, as it’s easier than it seems. You’ll feel proud of a good job done when your pastry comes out looking extremely appetizing. In under 2 hours, you’ll have freshly baked heaven waiting for you, that can be served with ice cream to enhance the flavors.
Homemade Spätzle
You’ll never forgive yourself for not trying this dish sooner. If you’re a fan of eggs and noodles, I can guarantee this will be a necessity to make. They’re tiny egg noodle dumplings, creating the illusion of a type of pasta. It’s useful to invest in a Spätzle maker when creating this recipe as it makes it much easier, but it’s not essential. It’s worth giving it a try and once you’ve fallen in love with the dish, you can make it within 15 minutes using a Spätzle maker. All you need is eggs, butter, milk, flour, and seasoning such as salt. If you’re a carb-lover, it’s definitely a dish you should try.
German Potato Salad
Potato salad is a dish know across the globe, but no one makes it quite like the Germans. There’s a mystery to them that makes them so delicious. You don’t have to wonder anymore since you can make this dish in your very own kitchen. The power lies in selecting the correct potatoes, which are supposed to be firm, yellow, and buttery. The surprise ingredient is allowing them to sit in beef broth for an hour, adding the extra bit of flavor you didn’t know you needed. Alongside other flavors such as mustard, vinegar, oil, and onions, you’ll experience a taste unlike any other. The only lengthy wait is for the potatoes to sit in the broth and after that, it’s smooth sailing.
Recipe: https://www.daringgourmet.com/restaurant-style-schwabischer-kartoffelsalat-swabian-potato-salad/
Laugenbrezel
The loose translation for this dish is soft pretzels. If you’re a fan of the doughy snack, you’ll love the German take on it. They’re commonly found in Oktoberfest markets and create a party of flavor in your mouth. Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, it’s the perfect dish to accompany a stein of beer. They make take a little while to make, but every good thing takes time. The ingredient list is not extensive and each item is easy to get your hands on. Dependent on your personal preferences, the pretzels can be paired with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard or butter. Either way, the texture alone makes this food a winner. I’m sure you’ll agree after making a batch.
You now have 6 new incredible recipes to try in your brand-new kitchen. Take care and prepare to get messy since trying a recipe for the first time can lead to flour on the floor. Once you’ve tried either one or all dishes, you’ll definitely be opting for a more German lifestyle when it comes to food. They know how to impress a person with flavors and you can do this same with guests. Why not throw a Bavarian-themed dinner party to test each item out, we are sure your friends and family will love you for it. All that’s left to do is put on the apron and get cooking.