Although my family is from northern Germany, most Americans tend to associate German food with southern Germany - Bavaria because after WW2, Germany was divided into four territories, with the United States occupying the southeastern portion.
Southern Germany is renowned for their hearty and flavorful cuisine. If you are looking for a weeknight dinner or cookout menu, consider some of the yummy treats below and make your own Bavarian feast. Here's a sample Menu:
Grilled Sausages: A Bavarian Staple
The centerpiece of any Bavarian feast is undoubtedly the grilled sausages. There's a wide variety to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile:
Bratwurst: These coarsely ground pork sausages are seasoned with a blend of spices, including marjoram, caraway, and nutmeg. They're typically grilled until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Weisswurst: These veal and pork sausages are delicately flavored with parsley, lemon zest, and mace. They're traditionally simmered in water before being served with sweet mustard and pretzels.
Nürnberger Bratwurst: These small, finger-sized sausages are made from pork and seasoned with marjoram and caraway. They're typically grilled over an open flame and served with sauerkraut and horseradish.
Look at your local grocery store, and you will be surprised to find many different kinds of sausages. I know that Trader Joe’s has fantastic Bratwurst, which is more like the Weisswurst listed above, and Aldis has the Nürnberger Bratwurst.
But don’t limit yourself to these sausages. Dig into your own neighborhood, find what is local to you, and put it on the grill.
German Potato Salad: A Tangy Delight
German potato salad is a far cry from its mayonnaise-laden American counterpart. It's made with warm potatoes, vinegar, bacon, and onions, creating a tangy and satisfying side dish that complements the richness of the sausages.
My version has less vinegar than some, but I like it that way. Give it a try and adjust it to meet your tastes.
Sauerkraut: A Fermented Favorite
Sauerkraut, or fermented cabbage, is a traditional Bavarian accompaniment to sausages. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture provide a refreshing contrast to the other dishes on the menu.
My sister makes an amazing sauerkraut that cooks for a long time, so it is tangy and savory at the same time. She cooks it with country-style pork ribs in the oven for hours.
Potato Pancakes: Crispy and Savory
Potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a popular Bavarian snack or side dish. They're made from grated potatoes, onions, and flour and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. They can be served with applesauce or sour cream or simply enjoyed on their own.
My Mom used to make potato pancakes from time to time. I remember how excited she and Dad would get when she made them. She loved applesauce with hers. I haven’t made them in years, so I have to work on my recipe, but here’s a recipe for Potato Pancakes that is the closest that I’ll probably start with because Mom never wrote things down.
This is a refreshing addition to the menu and is simple to prepare because all you need are cucumbers, dill, vinegar, sugar, sour cream, salt & pepper. For the best results, make it ahead of time so the flavors can marry and the cucumbers soften.
Almond Cake with Ice Cream: A Sweet Finale
To end this Bavarian feast on a sweet note, try my almond cake, especially with vanilla ice cream. This moist and flavorful cake is simple to make using pantry items. Its light texture is a perfect complement to this delicious but casual meal.
If you are gathering your friends and family for a weekend cookout or just looking for something different for a weeknight meal, fire up the grill and take a trip to Germany for something different.
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