Hot German Potato Salad

Oktoberfest may be almost over, but there is still a week or two to sneak some german inspired dishes into your menus!

But this isn’t just any german dish. This is a family recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. As a kid, my parents made this throughout the colder months of fall and winter (and spring…) and to be honest, I never appreciated it then. I didn’t used to be a fan of tangy, vinegary recipes. Thankfully, I grew out of that and as an adult, I am trying to make up for lost time. Better late than never right? I am very grateful that my kids inherited my love of food!

I actually have significant german ancestry, as does my husband, and while I have ever been very motivated to celebrate Oktoberfest anytime before, I wanted to put together a menu and do something special this year. Unfortunately, our plans for this past weekend were cancelled due to weather (two weeks of rain+hurricane Joaquin=our current situation here in Columbia, SC) but just before our power went out, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I made Sauerbraten with big fat noodles and huge piles of these potatoes on the side. Rest assured, there was also beer.

It is hard to convey the sheer abundance of flavors in this warm salad. It bursts with creamy, salty, tangy, and sour with just a bit of sweet. It goes wonderfully with anything roasted, stays warm for quite awhile when covered well, and reheats great. There aren’t too many ingredients, and once the potatoes are boiled, it comes together quite quickly. At its base, it is just a simple dish. Handed down through the family, I will continue to make it for my own, paying homage to our heritage is small, tasty ways.
Hot German Potato Salad
Grilled brats, simmered in beer and onions, are so good with this it may render you speechless with joy.

9 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into bite sized pieces
1/2 lb bacon, diced
1 small onion, minced
2 T flour
2 T sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp celery seed
2/3 c water
1/3 c white vinegar

Cook potatoes until just tender. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, fry and brown the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour off all but 2 T of the bacon grease. Add the onions to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until translucent, but not fried. Add the flour and whisk or stir until combined and smooth, continuing to cook until the flour flavor is gone, about one minute. Add the sugar, salt, celery seed and stir. Pour in the water and vinegar and stir or whisk until smooth and thick. Turn off the heat and add the potatoes and bacon, gently string to coat the potatoes well. Taste for seasoning as it may need salt. Serve immediately or cover and keep warm. Enjoy!