German Cuisine

More recipes from SBS Food

tips

Floury vs. waxy potatoes

Waxy potatoes tend to hold their shape and remain firm and compact when boiled. Floury potatoes become fluffy and airy inside and are best used for baking, roasting, mashing and deep-frying. Due to their low sugar content they tend to fall apart when boiled.

Potato storage

Store in a thick brown paper bag, in a cool, dry, dark place. Discard any potatoes that have developed a green tinge, indicating a rise of (potentially dangerous) solanine levels. Opt for unwashed potatoes where possible as the dirt protects the potatoes.

Seasoning cast iron

Seasoning a new cast iron frying pan will help to keep it in good condition and help to avoid odours and flavours sticking to the pan. Coat the inside of the pan in oil and place in a hot oven for 30 - 60 minutes. Allow it to cool before wiping it clean.

Choosing and prepping asparagus

Choose asparagus with tight, well-formed heads and avoid any with thin woody, dry and dirty stems. Snap off the woody end of the asparagus by holding the spear in the middle and bend the bottom until it finds its natural snapping point. Discard the woody ends, or use in a stock.

Smoked eel

In Germany smoked eel is eaten with your fingers. To remove the odour of the eel after eating, pour schnapps over your fingers.

Rare roast beef

Using a meat thermometer helps to determine precisely when the beef is cooked to rare. Simply insert the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the beef (avoiding the bone, fat and gristle), it will be cooked to rare when it is 50°C, medium-rare will be 55°C, medium is a little over 60°C.

Tenderising meat

If you do not have a tenderising meat hammer, try bashing your schnitzels with a rolling pin. Wrapping the pin in glad wrap makes it easy to clean.

Crispy potato pancakes

When making potato pancakes wring out the excess moisture in the potatoes (after you grate them) in a clean, dry tea towel. This will ensure a crisp batter.

Fatty casseroles

If you find that your goulash is too fatty either let it rest on the stove for a few minutes and then skim off the fat. If you have a little extra time place the goulash in the fridge and allow the fat to solidify on top of the dish. Remove fat before reheating.

Hamburgers

Be careful not to over-handle hamburger patties when you are moulding them. The more you touch them the more compact the meat will become. This will result in a tough, dense hamburger.

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