Hamburg-Style Labskaus: A Hearty Corned Beef Hash
Experience a taste of Hamburg, Germany with this vibrant and hearty Labskaus. This one-dish meal features tender, chunky potatoes blended with savory corned beef and sweet pickled beets, creating a stunning red-hued dish that's as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Topped with a perfectly fried egg and served alongside zesty German pickles and rollmops, this dish encapsulates the comforting flavors of traditional German cuisine. Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner, Labskaus is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (chopped)
butter
4 teaspoons (divided)
potato
1 lb (peeled and quartered (about 4 medium))
milk
1/2 cup
beef broth
1 cup
corned beef
10 ounces (diced)
pickled beets
1 (10 ounce) can (in slices (small can))
pickled beet juice
1 tablespoon
eggs
4
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hamburg-Style Labskaus?
Hamburg-Style Labskaus is a vibrant, hearty one-dish meal from Germany featuring chunky potatoes, savory corned beef, and pickled beets.
Where does Labskaus originate from?
Labskaus is a traditional culinary specialty originating from Hamburg, Germany, and is popular across Northern German regions.
Why is Labskaus red?
The dish gets its signature red hue from the addition of pickled beets and a tablespoon of pickled beet juice blended into the potato and beef mixture.
What are the primary ingredients in this Labskaus recipe?
The main ingredients include corned beef, potatoes, pickled beets, onion, beef broth, milk, butter, and eggs.
How is Labskaus typically served?
It is traditionally served topped with a perfectly fried egg and accompanied by German pickles and rollmops (pickled herring).
What type of meat is used in Labskaus?
This recipe specifically uses 10 ounces of diced corned beef to provide its savory, hearty flavor.
Is Labskaus a one-dish meal?
Yes, Labskaus is considered a one-dish meal as it combines protein, starch, and vegetables into a single cohesive hash.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of potatoes, peeled and quartered; medium-sized boiling potatoes work best for this texture.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 4 eggs, which are fried and placed on top of the dish before serving.
What is the role of beef broth in Labskaus?
One cup of beef broth is used to add depth of flavor and moisture to the potato and corned beef base.
Can I use fresh beets instead of pickled beets?
While fresh beets could be used, pickled beets are traditional because they provide a necessary acidity and tang that balances the rich meat and potatoes.
What are rollmops?
Rollmops are pickled herring fillets rolled around a savory filling, which are a classic traditional side for Labskaus.
How is the onion prepared for this dish?
One small onion should be chopped and typically sautéed in butter before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Is milk used in the preparation of Labskaus?
Yes, 1/2 cup of milk is used to help achieve the desired creamy yet chunky consistency of the potato base.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe uses salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and beets.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of butter, which is used in divided portions during the cooking process.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, Labskaus is categorized as a hearty comfort food, perfect for filling lunches or dinners.
How many ingredients are in this Labskaus recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this specific version of the recipe.
Can I make this dish for a large family?
Yes, Labskaus is a very filling and easily scalable dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Is Labskaus served hot or cold?
Labskaus is traditionally served hot as a main course, though the pickled side dishes are served cold.
What is the texture of Labskaus?
The texture is that of a chunky, thick hash, where the potatoes are blended but still retain some structure alongside the diced meat.
Does this dish contain dietary fiber?
While specific nutritional counts are not provided, the use of whole potatoes and beets introduces natural dietary fiber to the meal.
What is the best way to cook the eggs for Labskaus?
The eggs should be fried, usually sunny-side up or over-easy, so the yolk can run into the hash when broken.
Is this a traditional German recipe?
Yes, it is a quintessential example of traditional German cuisine, specifically from the Northern port cities.
Can I substitute the corned beef?
While corned beef is traditional for Hamburg-style Labskaus, some variations use different salt-cured meats, though the flavor profile will change.
Is Labskaus salty?
The dish is naturally savory due to the corned beef and broth; additional salt should be added sparingly to taste.
How do I use the pickled beet juice?
One tablespoon of the juice from the beet can is mixed into the hash to deepen the color and add a slight tang.
What makes this dish unique compared to American hash?
The inclusion of pickled beets, beet juice, and the traditional pairing with pickled herring makes it distinct from standard American beef hash.
Is Labskaus difficult to prepare?
No, it is a straightforward recipe involving boiling potatoes and combining them with prepared meat and vegetables in a pan.
Can Labskaus be prepared in advance?
The potato and beef mixture can be prepared ahead and reheated, but the fried eggs should be cooked fresh just before serving.