Easy North German Recipes

Simple North German dishes

Introduction:

North Germany boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects the region’s history, coastal influence, and hearty rural roots. From savory stews and casseroles to fresh fish dishes and delightful desserts, the food culture of Northern Germany offers a variety of flavors and textures that are both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a dish to warm you on a cold winter’s day or a light, fresh bite perfect for summer, North German recipes have something for everyone. In this collection, we explore some of the most beloved dishes from the North, including classic favorites like Grünkohl mit Pinkel, Fischbrötchen, and Rote Grütze. Prepare to dive into the comforting and flavorful world of North German cuisine!

Here are some easy North German recipes that you can try:

1. Grünkohl mit Pinkel (Kale with Sausages)

A traditional North German recipes, Grünkohl mit Pinkel is a hearty kale dish served with special sausages called “Pinkel.”

Ingredients:

• 1 kg kale, chopped
• 2 Pinkel sausages (or smoked sausage)
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 potatoes, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot, and sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add the kale, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for about 20-30 minutes until tender.
3. In another pot, cook the potatoes and sausages together.
4. Serve the kale with the sausages and boiled potatoes.

2. Fischbrötchen (Fish Sandwich)

Fischbrötchen is a popular snack in North German recipes, often eaten by the sea.

Ingredients:

• 4 rolls (preferably soft, like a Kaiser roll)
• 400g fresh fish fillets (e.g., herring, mackerel, or cod)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. Fry or grill the fish fillets until cooked.
2. Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl.
3. Slice the rolls and spread the mayonnaise-mustard mixture on the bottom half.
4. Add a lettuce leaf, place the fish fillet on top, and top with onions.
5. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

3. Rote Grütze (Red Fruit Pudding-Simple North German dishes)

A traditional dessert made with a mix of berries, typically served with cream or vanilla sauce.

Ingredients:

• 500g mixed berries (e.g., cherries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 200ml water
• 50g sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the berries, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add to the berries and stir.
3. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
4. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

4. Labskaus

A sailor’s dish, Labskaus is a comfort food made with corned beef, potatoes, and pickled beets.

Ingredients:

• 500g corned beef
• 500g potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 pickled beets, sliced
• 2 eggs (fried, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Fry the onion in butter until soft, then add the corned beef, breaking it up into smaller pieces.
2. Add the boiled potatoes and mash everything together.
3. Pour in the beef broth and mix well. Cook for 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Serve with pickled beets and a fried egg on top.

5. Schnüsch (North German recipes Stew)

Schnüsch is a traditional North German vegetable stew made with hearty ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 100g peas
• 100g green beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, leeks, and beans. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

These recipes offer a taste of traditional North German cuisine, simple to prepare and full of flavor!

6. Bauernfrühstück (Farmer’s Breakfast)

This is a hearty and satisfying dish commonly eaten for breakfast in North Germany. It’s made with potatoes, eggs, and bacon, similar to a potato hash.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add the onions and potatoes to the pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and golden.
3. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, or scramble them if preferred.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh herbs if desired.

7. Kohlrouladen (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Kohlrouladen is a classic German dish where cabbage leaves are stuffed with minced meat, rice, and onions, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 large cabbage leaves
• 500g ground beef or pork
• 100g cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly, folding in the sides.
4. Heat oil in a large pot and place the cabbage rolls inside. Pour the chopped tomatoes over the rolls and add enough water to cover them.
5. Simmer for about 1 hour, occasionally turning the rolls to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Serve with boiled potatoes or crusty bread.

8. Schleswig-Holstein Fish Soup(Simple North German dishes)

This comforting fish soup is a specialty from the Schleswig-Holstein region of North German recipes, made with fresh fish and a creamy broth.

Ingredients:

• 500g white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 liter fish stock
• 200ml cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions, carrots, and leek for a few minutes.
2. Add the potatoes and fish stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the fish fillets and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the fish is flaky.
4. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh dill and serve with crusty bread.

9. Pannfisch (Pan-Fried Fish)

Pannfisch is a simple yet delicious dish featuring fish fillets fried with potatoes and served with mustard sauce, popular in the northern regions of Germany.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or flounder)
• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the mustard sauce:
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 200ml cream
  • 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil and butter in a frying pan. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
2. In the same pan, fry the sliced boiled potatoes until they are crispy.
3. To make the mustard sauce, combine mustard, sugar, cream, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until smooth.
4. Serve the fish with the crispy potatoes and drizzle with the mustard sauce.

10. Kaffeeklatsch Cake (Nordic Coffee Cake)

Kaffeeklatsch is a traditional coffee time in Germany, often accompanied by a delicious cake. This easy cake recipe is perfect for serving with coffee.

Ingredients:

• 200g butter, softened
• 200g sugar
• 4 eggs
• 250g flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 100g milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving with coffee.

These recipes are perfect for bringing the flavors of North Germany into your kitchen, with a mix of hearty meals and sweet treats!

11. Rote Grütze (Red Berry Pudding)

Rote Grütze is a classic North German dessert made from red berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and cherries. It’s often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 500g mixed red berries (raspberries, strawberries, cherries, red currants)
• 100g sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 500ml water
• Vanilla sauce or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries release their juices and soften, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the berry mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let cool. Serve chilled with vanilla sauce or whipped cream on top.

12. Grünkohl mit Pinkel (Kale with Sausage)

Grünkohl mit Pinkel is a traditional dish from the Bremen and Lower Saxony regions of North Germany. It consists of hearty kale cooked with smoked sausage, potatoes, and a bit of bacon.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg kale, washed and chopped
• 4 smoked sausages (Pinkel or any similar smoked sausage)
• 200g bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 liter chicken stock
• Salt, pepper, and mustard to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the bacon and onion until the bacon is crispy. Add the kale and cook for a few minutes until it starts to wilt.
2. Add the potatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the kale is soft.
3. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the sausages to the pot to heat through.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a dollop of mustard before serving. This dish is usually enjoyed with hearty bread.

13. Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Pears, Beans, and Bacon)

A regional specialty from Schleswig-Holstein, this dish combines the sweetness of pears with the savory flavor of beans and smoky bacon. It’s a comforting dish often served in the colder months.

Ingredients:

• 4 pears, peeled and sliced
• 500g green beans, trimmed
• 200g smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the beans in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, melt the butter and cook the bacon and onions until the bacon is crispy and the onions are softened.
3. Add the pears and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add the beans and vegetable stock to the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

14. Fischbrötchen (Fish Sandwich)

This popular street food in North Germany is a simple, delicious sandwich made with fresh fish, often served with pickles, onions, and a dollop of remoulade sauce. It’s a must-try when visiting the North Sea coast.

Ingredients:

• 4 soft rolls (preferably a round, crusty type like a Kaiser roll)
• 4 pieces of fried fish fillets (such as herring, cod, or plaice)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Pickles, sliced
• Remoulade sauce or mayonnaise
• Fresh lettuce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the rolls in half and spread remoulade sauce or mayonnaise on the inside of each half.
2. Place the fried fish fillets on the bottom half of each roll.
3. Top with sliced onions, pickles, and fresh lettuce if desired.
4. Close the sandwich and serve immediately, perfect for a quick meal on the go!

15. Rinderroulade (Beef Roulade)

A classic German dish enjoyed across the country, Rinderroulade consists of thin slices of beef rolled up with a savory filling of bacon, onions, and mustard, then braised in a rich gravy.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin slices of beef (round or flank steak)
• 100g bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 500ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Lay the beef slices flat and spread mustard on each piece. Place some chopped bacon and onions in the center.
2. Roll the beef slices tightly and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
3. Heat oil in a pan and brown the roulades on all sides.
4. Add the beef stock to the pan, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, turning occasionally.
5. Remove the roulades and keep warm. To make the gravy, stir in the flour to the pan drippings and cook for a few minutes. Gradually add more stock to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Serve the roulades with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes and the gravy poured over the top.

16. Hamburger Labskaus(Simple North German dishes)

Labskaus is a classic North German recipe sailor’s dish made from corned beef, potatoes, and onions, often served with a fried egg and pickles on top.

Ingredients:

• 300g corned beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs (for frying)
• Pickles, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a frying pan, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft. Add the corned beef and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
3. Mash the boiled potatoes and stir them into the corned beef mixture. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate pan, fry the eggs.
5. Serve the Labskaus topped with a fried egg and garnished with pickles on the side.

With these hearty and flavorful recipes, you can enjoy the tastes of North Germany in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a savory stew, a comforting breakfast, or a sweet treat, there’s something for every occasion!

Conclusion:

North German cuisine reflects the simplicity, heartiness, and tradition that have defined the region for centuries. With a focus on fresh ingredients, rich broths, and robust flavors, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of what Northern Germany has to offer. From the famous fish sandwiches enjoyed along the coast to the warming, savory stews that make a meal feel like a hug, there’s no shortage of satisfying dishes to try. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to experience something new in the kitchen, these North German recipes will bring the flavors of the North right to your table.

FAQs about North German recipes

1. What is the most famous dish in North Germany? The most famous dish in North Germany is probably Grünkohl mit Pinkel, a kale and sausage dish served with potatoes. It’s a regional staple, particularly enjoyed in the winter months.

2. What is a Fischbrötchen? A Fischbrötchen is a traditional North German fish sandwich made with fresh fish fillets (such as fried herring or plaice), pickles, onions, and often a dollop of remoulade sauce, all tucked into a soft roll. It’s a popular snack, especially along the coast.

3. Can I substitute the meat in Rinderroulade? Yes, while Rinderroulade is traditionally made with beef, you can substitute the beef with other meats like pork or veal. However, the traditional preparation uses beef for its rich flavor and texture.

4. Is Rote Grütze difficult to make? No, Rote Grütze is quite simple to prepare! It requires only a few ingredients, such as red berries, sugar, and cornstarch, to make a delicious berry pudding. It’s an excellent dessert for both beginners and experienced cooks.

5. What’s the best way to serve Labskaus? Labskaus is typically served with a fried egg on top, along with pickles on the side. It’s a great dish for breakfast or a hearty dinner, often enjoyed with crusty bread.

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Simple North German dishes,Easy recipes from Northern Germany,Simple North German dishes