Cuisine Focus – German – Beyond Beers and Sausages

German cuisine features a style of cookery that varies from one region to another. Social and political developments have caused the cuisine to evolve and change. Germany’s southern regions of Bavaria and Swabia also influenced the cuisine in various ways, since both places share common dishes. The variances and influences have likewise brought regional and provincial dishes to a much larger pool of audiences, since such has been introduced across the country by the locals themselves.

Traditional German cuisine, to begin with, is characterized as flavorful yet healthy. Dishes are prepared with utmost care, as locals make use of the finest and freshest ingredients. To associate German foods with sausages and beer is a bit of an understatement, if not negating the true value of the cuisine itself. For the Germans’ appreciation of cookery goes beyond simple meals and are more geared towards preparation and serving. A great meal served with love and care- this is the concept behind German cooking and every person, who is fortunate enough to have a taste, is indeed privileged.

For the Germans, a usual breakfast comprises of coffee/tea, spreads and toast. They also enjoy having bread rolls along with honey, jam and eggs. Other common breakfast items are ham, salami and marmalade. When it comes to beverages, hot cocoa or milk is mostly prepared for kids. Lunch has always been considered as the main meal while dinner normally features smaller meals like sandwiches. As of the present, certain changes have been made regarding meal patterns, wherein people prefer small lunches and tend to enjoy hot meals for supper. However, these shifts do not affect the Germans’ treatment of breakfast, where a more elaborate preparation is made.

Dumplings and potatoes have been very popular among Germans. Noodles, is likewise valued as a key food item. Popular drinks likewise include pilsen and beer. In fact, many of the country’s regions have their own brand of special or local beer. Wine is relatively popular and the country has also been famous for producing great wine varieties.

Desserts mostly offer tarts and cakes along with fresh fruits and other sweets. Other types of popular desserts are Berliner, Donuts and Cheesecake. In Northern Germany, a red fruit pudding known as Rote Grutze remains as the most popular dessert. In addition, locals have been fond of tasting sorbets and ice cream, which is basically a product of Italian influence.

Ingredients Utilized in German Cuisine

Meat:

Pork, Beef, Chicken, Duck, Goose, Turkey

Seafood:

Tuna, Salmon, Herring, Trout, Sardines, Mackerel, Carp, European Perch, Pike

Vegetables:

Potatoes, Beans, Carrots, Turnips, Cabbage, Spinach, Peas, Asparagus, Peas, Broccoli

Spices:

Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Thyme, Laurel, Chives, Parsley, Sage, Basil, Oregano, Chili Peppers, Garlic

Condiments:

Mustard, Horseradish

Being regional in nature, the German cuisine likewise offers a diverse range of regional dishes. Traditional German food is defined by delicacies such as sausages, soups and breads. Among these regional specialties are frankfurters and sausages, which are normally made of pork and fresh herbs. It is also believed that each region has something special to offer. For instance, Hamburg is famous for Labskaus, which is made from corned beef. Another Hamburg specialty is the Aalsuppe, which is a soup consisting of vegetables, herbs, dried fruits and meat broth.

These diversities have made the German cuisine different and unique. For the Germans, their cuisine is truly representative of their food’s flavor and taste. In addition, the differences shared by the country’s regions somehow work to increase the popularity of German cuisine. For as they strive to produce the best specialties, these foods represent the country’s overwhelming desire to be known beyond its borders.

Authentic German Recipes

Hot German Potato Salad Recipe

Recipe Source: kitchenproject.com

Ingredients:

Boil in their jackets, peel and slice:

4 large potatoes

Dice: 5 thick slices of bacon

Prepare: 1 Cup chopped onion

Mix dressing ingredients in measuring cup:

¼ Cup wine vinegar

¼ Cup water

¼ Cup sugar

Use to taste: salt and pepper

Method:

1 .Fry the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until almost crisp.
2 . Add chopped onion and continue stirring until onion is cooked and turns slightly golden brown.

3 . Add mixed dressing ingredients, heat and stir until mixture boils and sugar is dissolved.

4. Add sliced potatoes, mixing everything together well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for at least 10 minutes, or until the potatoes have absorbed all the liquid and are heated through. Continue heating and turning the mixture over for another 5 to 10 minutes. May allow to stand for additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend completely.

Bauernomlett (Farmer’s Omelet)

Recipe Source: allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon butter
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 potatoes
• 3 eggs
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place potatoes in a saucepan covered by lightly salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool, then cut into 1/4-inch slices.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips in the butter until browned, 5 to 7 minutes; remove bacon and set aside. Add the potatoes to the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Beat the eggs with the salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, and mix with the potatoes and bacon; allow to cook until eggs are set, 3 to 5 minutes, turning once.

Image Credit: allrecipes.com

kitchenproject.com

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