HIstory ::: The Potato and German Potato Salad

I grew up with German Potato salad as my grand-mothers heritage was from Germany. A German dish known as "Kartofelsalat" is popular. It is a dish made with vinegar, potatoes, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, mustard, vegetable or beef broth, onions and topped with chives. This Potato salad is commonly found in Southern Germany. Potato Salad made from northern Germany would commonly include mayonnaise and be quite similar to the potato salad in the U.S. 

Around 200 years ago Germans would not believe were even discussing the potato and a German Style. The potato was only for the poor, prisoners and livestock in the early days of potato. Potatoes were brought to Germany from South America. They were not welcomed in by the Europeans or Germans. 

The German word for potato is Kartoffel. The potatoes took a journey from south america to Spain before slowly traveling through Europe. The Spaniards mistaken potatoes as truffles as both truffles and potatoes are both dug up. The Italians tried to grow the potato but had little luck Potatoes also received warnings as their leaves were poisonous so many citizens would avoid. They were also known as "fruits of the devil" and thought to cause lustful thoughts. This led for the first potatoes to only be fed to pigs. Germany would first plant potatoes in the 1500's by peasants as they were cheap to grow and eat. 

During the 1700s Germany experienced many cool wet summers and the wheat crops were failing. The potato became a hero of sorts as King Frederick the Great gave an order in 1754 for all farmers to grow potatoes. 

Vincent Van Gogh The potato Eaters was painted because he thought the peasants that grew the potatoes as honorable. 

German Potato Salad was brought to America by German immigrants. The salad was wrm and had bacon and onions and a nice sweet but tart dressing. The salad is very popular and unique in the beginning possibly being a left over dish using up left over roasted or boiled potatoes. Ham or bacon makes it different from other cultures. 

4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

8 slices bacon

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup sugar 

1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 

In a large pot of boiling water, cook potatoes 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp, turning as needed. Remove from pan, crumble, and set aside.
Add oil and onion to bacon grease and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in vinegar, water, sugar and salt; bring to a boil. Gently stir in potatoes and parsley.Add half of bacon to potato mixture and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Remove to a serving dish, sprinkle remaining bacon over top, and serve warm.

Notes

• The potatoes in German Potato Salad are usually sliced, rather than cubed, but you're the boss...make whatever shape your gang prefers.

recipe source Mr. Food

shared at 
thrifty thursday