Crispy Feta Bratkartoffeln with Vegetarian Sausages
Experience a delightful twist on a classic German dish with these Crispy Feta Bratkartoffeln. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is a hit among my friends, and today, it brought a taste of Germany right into my kitchen! The crispy fried potatoes, seasoned to perfection, are enhanced by the creamy richness of feta cheese, adding a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. Optional additions like vegetarian sausages or bacon elevate the dish, bringing an authentic note and superb taste that makes this a perfect main or side dish. Served alongside a fresh green side salad, this hearty meal is both satisfying and nourishing, making it a wonderful choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 lbs (boiled in skins, peeled, diced)
Feta Cheese
1/2 lb (crumbled)
Canola Oil
2-4 tablespoons (for frying)
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Vegetarian Sausages
1 (12 ounce) can (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the unpeeled potatoes in a large pot, covering them with cold water, and bringing to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, just until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and allow them to cool slightly before peeling and dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2-4 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about a minute until they become translucent. If you are using vegetarian sausages or bacon, add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they're heated through and slightly crispy. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, and arrange the diced potatoes in a single layer, ensuring that they make good contact with the pan. Allow them to fry undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes until the bottom sides turn a lovely golden brown. Once nicely browned, carefully flip the potatoes to crisp the other side.
4
After both sides of the potatoes are golden and crispy, return the onion and vegetarian sausage or bacon mixture to the skillet. Gently stir to combine. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and fold it into the potatoes once, allowing it to melt slightly and coat the potatoes with its creamy texture.
5
After about 1-2 minutes, when the feta has melted just enough to enhance the flavor, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve hot with a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Feta Bratkartoffeln?
Crispy Feta Bratkartoffeln is a modern twist on the classic German fried potato dish, combining golden pan-fried potatoes with creamy melted feta cheese and vegetarian sausages.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly as it uses plant-based sausages and feta cheese.
What kind of potatoes work best for Bratkartoffeln?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of potatoes. Generally, waxy or all-purpose potatoes are best as they hold their shape well after boiling and frying.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before boiling?
No, you should boil the potatoes in their skins first. Once they are fork-tender and slightly cooled, you can easily peel and dice them.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. They should be fork-tender but still firm enough not to turn into mush.
What is the best way to dice the potatoes?
After peeling the boiled potatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they crisp up evenly in the skillet.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends using 2-4 tablespoons of canola oil because of its high smoke point, which is ideal for achieving a crispy texture.
When do I add the onions?
Add the diced onions to the skillet first and sauté for about one minute until they become translucent before adding other ingredients.
Can I add real bacon to this recipe?
Yes, if you are not following a vegetarian diet, you can substitute the vegetarian sausages with real bacon for an authentic flavor.
How do I ensure the potatoes get crispy?
Arrange the diced potatoes in a single layer in the skillet and allow them to fry undisturbed for 3-5 minutes before flipping.
What role does feta cheese play in this dish?
Feta cheese adds a creamy richness and a tangy burst of flavor that complements the salty, crispy potatoes.
When should I add the feta cheese?
Crumble the feta over the potatoes at the very end, folding it in once just long enough for it to melt slightly and coat the potatoes.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe suggests salt and black pepper to taste, you can add paprika or rosemary for additional depth.
Are the vegetarian sausages mandatory?
No, the vegetarian sausages are optional but highly recommended to make the dish a more filling main course.
What size of vegetarian sausages should I buy?
A standard 12-ounce can or package of vegetarian sausages is sufficient for this recipe.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
Excluding prep, the frying stages take about 15-20 minutes after the initial potato boiling.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This hearty meal is best served alongside a fresh green side salad to balance the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can boil and dice the potatoes in advance, but for the best texture, the frying and adding of feta should be done just before serving.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the potatoes and use a large enough skillet so they are not overcrowded.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta provides a unique tang, you could experiment with goat cheese or halloumi, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check the label of your vegetarian sausages as some contain gluten-based binders.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the 2 lbs of potatoes, this recipe typically serves 3 to 4 people as a main dish.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
You can, but be careful not to use extra virgin olive oil at very high heat as it may smoke; a refined olive oil or canola is safer for crisping.
What happens if I boil the potatoes for too long?
If overboiled, the potatoes will fall apart during the frying process, resulting in a mash rather than crispy cubes.
Should the feta be completely melted?
No, the feta should only be slightly melted so it retains some of its crumbly texture while coating the potatoes.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes; microwaving may make them soft.
What is the origin of Bratkartoffeln?
Bratkartoffeln is a traditional German comfort food, usually consisting of sliced or diced potatoes pan-fried with onions and fats.
Is this a healthy recipe?
The dish is nourishing and uses fresh ingredients, though it is a hearty comfort food. Serving it with a large salad adds beneficial fiber and nutrients.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms would make great additions to the skillet during the onion-sauteing stage.