Oh, the allure of a hearty German meal! Imagine the satisfying aroma of sizzling kielbasa mingling with the tang of vinegar-dressed potatoes, a classic combination that’s a hug on a plate. This recipe for Authentic German Potato Salad with Kielbasa is like finding an old postcard from a distant place, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Steps
- Start by cooking the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once done, drain the water and place the potatoes in a large bowl, covering them to keep warm.
- In a medium non-stick pan over medium heat, cook the kielbasa slices. Brown each side for 3-4 minutes, then remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Using the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 9-11 minutes. Transfer the bacon to the plate with the kielbasa, ensuring the bacon grease remains in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine well, creating the dressing.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the warm potatoes in the bowl, gently tossing to ensure even coating. Add the browned kielbasa, crispy bacon, and chopped parsley, mixing everything gently.
- Serve the German potato salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, rinsed and halved
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ? cup (80 g) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coarse ground Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
FAQ
- Can I omit the kielbasa from the recipe?
- Yes, you can leave out the kielbasa if you prefer. Doing so will turn the dish more into a side salad rather than a main dish.
- Is it possible to prepare German Potato Salad in advance?
- Definitely! You can prepare certain components ahead of time to make assembly easier. The kielbasa can be browned and stored in an airtight container overnight, and the bacon can be cooked a few days before. Just remember to save the bacon grease, as it is essential for the dressing.
- How should I store leftover German Potato Salad with Kielbasa?
- Allow the salad to reach room temperature before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips
- To save time, you can prepare some components of the dish ahead of time. Brown the kielbasa and cook the bacon a few days in advance, storing them in airtight containers. Don’t forget to reserve the bacon grease, as it is essential for the dressing.
- For a unique twist, experiment with different types of sausages, such as Andouille or Mexican Chorizo, to customize the flavor profile of your salad.
- If you prefer a lighter version or plan to serve the salad as a side dish, you can omit the kielbasa without compromising on taste.
- When storing leftovers, ensure that the salad is at room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- Large pot
