The Wandering Kitchen: Germany
In the Skagit Valley Food Co-op’s Wandering Kitchen Travel Blog Series, we’re taking you on a virtual trip to some of the best places on Earth for world-class cuisine. Whether it comes from your backyard or a different continent, good food has the power to transport you anywhere you want to go. So while you might not travel to the heart of India, the Caribbean, or the boot of Italy by plane, train, or automobile, you can take your taste buds on a trip simply by turning your dining table into a delicious destination for some of the world’s best food.
We’ll be featuring locations near and far known for their food, inspirational recipes to try in your own kitchen, as well as products you can find in the Co-op to give you a taste of the cuisine.
In this edition of The Wandering Kitchen, we’re saying Auf Wiedersehen to Skagit Valley and Guten Tag! to Germany!
Why Germany?
When it comes to food, Germany is known for hearty, warm meals that are perfect for fall weather. Oh, and beer. There’s a reason Oktoberfest is so widely celebrated!
If you’re craving comfort food that will fill you up and keep you satisfied, look no further than traditional German cuisine.
Germany-Inspired Recipes
From the best meal to pair with your stein of German beer to something cozy to enjoy when the temperature drops, these German-inspired dishes are worth trying:
Photo Courtesy of RecipeTin Eats
Schnitzel
Fried chicken and pork seem to be one of those things that’s universally loved, but differs a bit from country to country. In Germany, schnitzel is their take on this salty, savory, super satisfying dish.
Schnitzel has become such a popular dish, that you can find it quite literally across the world: from France and Japan to Poland and Mexico.
To create a perfectly crispy piece of schnitzel, either boneless chicken or pork is pounded until it’s thin before being sprinkled with salt and pepper, coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, and then fried golden.
You can serve this German meal all on its own with just a squeeze of lemon, or you can serve it with some schnitzel sauce.
Bring the whole meal together with a fresh side like slaw or german potato salad.
Bratwurst & Sauerkraut
If you’ve ever been to an Oktoberfest celebration, you’re familiar with the never-ending selection of meats and krauts and mustards that often fill the tables, naturally accompanied by steins of beer.
Get those Oktoberfest vibes at home with a warm and cozy, yet quick and easy bratwurst and sauerkraut skillet dinner, featuring sweet fall apples and onions.
Bratwurst sausage is browned in butter before onions, sauerkraut, and apples are added to the mix and cooked down to let all the flavor meld.
Serve your skillet dinner with mashed sweet potatoes for a fall-out-delicious meal.
Photo Courtesy of King Arthur Baking
German Style Pretzel
In Germany, you’ll see pretzels served quite literally any time of day. Whether it’s breakfast or 1am outside the pub, german-style pretzels are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a salty, buttery flavor that’s totally irresistible.
While the German pretzel’s origins are a bit fuzzy, some sources say the concept of the shaped dough was inspired by ring-shaped fasting dishes that existed in Roman times.
One thing we do know is that in parts of Germany large, braided pretzels are made to bring good luck in the New Year.
If the only pretzels you’ve experienced have been previously frozen, do yourself a favor and try and make them fresh. The texture is simply unbeatable.
Photo Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven
German Potato Salad
Before reading this blog, you may have only envisioned potato salad as that super eggy, mayo-ey side dish at a potluck.
But! Did you know that potato salad is a side dish that’s served everywhere from the U.S. to Europe to Asia?
In fact, the now American classic actually originated in Germany!
While the interpretation of potato salad obviously differs from country to country, in general, they all start with a base of tender boiled potatoes.
In Germany, potato salad consists of simply Yukon gold potatoes, bacon, onion, and a simple dressing of apple cider vinegar, salt, peppers, and parsley. Their take on the dish is certainly lighter, and it’s a refreshing side dish for a heavier German meal.
Photo Courtesy of Plated Cravings
Apfelkuchen
Translating to simply apple cake, Apfelkuchen is a traditional German dessert that’s quintessential fall!
Made with just a handful of simple baking ingredients and four apples, this cake recipe has a texture reminiscent of coffee cake, with bursting flavors of sweet, perfectly ripe apples.
What really makes this cake look extra special is the way it’s prepared before it’s baked. As opposed to the apples being cut into slices or chunks, they’re peeled, cored, and quartered before being thinly scored, as to keep the quarters all in place. The cake batter is then poured into a springform pan and the apple quarters are nestled into place.
Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest-themed gathering or just wanting to celebrate fall’s bounty, Apfelkuchen is an approachable cake to try, and this recipe from Plated Cravings is easy to follow, and descriptive, too.
Photo Courtesy of King Arthur Baking
German Bread (Authentic Vollkornbrot)
Served at virtually every meal, brot, aka bread, is a must-bake if you’re delving into German food culture.
While there are many different versions of german bread, the most traditional are often dark and dense in nature, including rye, whole-grain, and wheat-rye.
This Vollkornbrot is a whole grain style bread with a deep rye flavor and dense texture.
It can keep in the fridge for weeks, or in the freezer for months.
Photo Courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction
Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
Consisting of several layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries, black forest cake was created by German confectioner Josef Keller.
Well, according to him, anyway. The true origins of the cake have never actually been identified.
One thing we can identify though is that this cake is absolutely delicious. The tart, yet ooey-gooey sweet cherries contrast well with lighter-than-air whip cream and rich chocolate cake.
Find the full recipe at Sally’s Baking Addiction
German Food Staples Available at the Co-op
Hefeweizen and other German Beer
The Co-op’s Own German Sausage & Bratwurst
The Co-op’s Own German Chocolate Cake
Pumpernickel and rye bread