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Crispy potato pancakes from my childhood

Plus: a punchy potato, garlic and almond dip in the making

Author

Julius Fiedler
September 26, 2025

Kartoffelpuffer (Crispy Potato Pancakes)

A German classic

I’ve been so knee-deep in researching traditionally vegan recipes from around the world that I have to admit - I haven’t really looked in my own backyard. Granted, Germany’s culinary repertoire isn’t exactly famous for being vegan-friendly but that won’t stop me from giving a few classics their moment.

In honour of Oktoberfest, I’ve taken the humble yet mighty potato and turned it into a Kartoffelpuffer, a traditional German fairground and Christmas market snack. A forkful of these swiped through a slick of homemade Apfelmus (an almost mandatory pairing) is German comfort at its finest, and a heavy dose of nostalgia for me.

They’re really easy to make and keep well in the fridge, which is good news if, like me, you fry up a mountain and ration them out as well-deserved snacks through the week. A quick refry in the pan and they’re as good as new.

Humble yet endlessly versatile. Is there anything the potato can’t do?

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My Test Kitchen

Skordalia (Greek Potato, Garlic & Almond Dip)

This unsung garlic dip comes in many forms in Greece. Sometimes it is made with leftover bread, sometimes with potatoes. Some cooks add nuts, others prefer it completely smooth. What never changes is the punch of garlic.

After featuring the bread and walnut version in my book Naturally Vegan, I am now testing the potato and almond variety, more common in the Ionian Islands. If you love potatoes and garlic, this one is for you.

The Archive

Castagnaccio (Tuscan Chestnut Cake)

It’s rare to find a cake that’s naturally gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free and still tastes this good. Trust me, you won’t miss a thing.

Zhingyalov Hats (Armenian Stuffed Flatbreads)

The perfect recipe for using whatever herbs and greens you can get your hands on wherever you are or even to use up leftovers from the fridge.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s digest. Next Friday I’ll be sharing traditional Georgian dumplings along with more newness from my test kitchen.

Have a good one!

Much love,
Julius