Description
The secrets to an authentic German potato salad with olive oil and mustard. With beef broth and chives, you will be craving this at every summer barbecue.
Ingredients
3 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, skins on (1.36 kg)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (150 g)
1 1/2 cups water + 4 beef bouillon cubes or 4 teaspoons bouillon granules (360 ml)
1/2 cup white vinegar (120 ml)
Dash Essig Essenz (optional), or reduce white vinegar accordingly
3/4 tablespoon salt (11 g)
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons mild German mustard (e.g. Düsseldorf style)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
Fresh chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
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In a large pot of lightly salted water, boil potatoes with skins on until just tender (20–25 minutes).
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Drain and let cool until you can handle the potatoes (they remain warm, not cold).
Step 2: Slice & Rest
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Peel the warm potatoes and slice into ¼ inch rounds. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Hot Broth Dressing
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In a saucepan, combine chopped onion, beef broth (hot), white vinegar (adjust if using Essig Essenz), salt, pepper, sugar, and German mustard.
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Bring to a boil briefly, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Dress the Potatoes
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Immediately pour the hot mixture over the potatoes. Cover the bowl and let sit undisturbed for at least 1 hour—potatoes absorb flavor deeply during this time.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
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After resting, gently stir in vegetable oil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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If excess liquid remains, lift potatoes with a slotted spoon for serving.
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Garnish with fresh chopped chives. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Potatoes: Yukon Gold hold their shape and have buttery, firm texture—closest to German types.
Broth: Must be beef, strong and hot—essential for authentic taste.
Mustard: Mild German mustard (e.g. Düsseldorf) gives subtle tang without dominating.
Oil: Necessary to replace the natural fat once found in homemade beef broth—renders texture rich.
Resting: Waiting allows flavors to meld; salad tastes best made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Resting Time: 60 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0g