German Foods

When you hear the words “German Food”, most people think of festivals, great beers, sauerkraut and sausage. Some of the other Popular German Foods today are:

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancake)
Kartoffelkloesse (Potato Dumplings) These are based on cooked potatoes which are used to create a traditional dumpling that goes well with almost any meat and gravy. There are
Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)
Spätzle – These are noodles made with eggs. Späetzle is essentially a pasta style dumpling, similar to gnocchi but smaller and without potato. Unlike gnocchi, späetzl take less time to make , but it is equally filling. Spätzle can be eaten stand alone, but are more often served with mixed creamy sauce with pork, mushrooms and onion
Sauerbraten (Roast Beef Stew)
Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage)
Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)
Spätzle (Egg Noodles)

Germany is also noted for a reverence for social events and celebrations. So, somewhere- in both the large cities and in the countryside, it is likely that some event is in process. Standard German food is generally the main fare for these occasions.

German cuisine is not known for spicy or exotic flavors, and is generally considered to be more traditional for many American’s taste. As America has become more diverse, tastes have changed to reflect a variety in spice level, and food texture and preparation. Some people may consider German food to be a bit more predictable than foods from other countries. For others, they may consider it as a little “stodgy”. Nevertheless, German food offers a wide choice of traditional options.

German Food Background

German foods vary according to the geography of Germany. Whether you are in the mountains, countryside, or by the sea – the food offerings vary according to the location. These traditions have mostly been continued down through the years.

Common yesteryear techniques of food preservation still prevail through salting, smoking, curing, and pickling. Many meats, fish and vegetables are still commonly prepared like this.

If you look at many popular dishes of like pickled herring, sauerbraten (a roast beef that has been cured in vinegar and wine), or sauerkraut, you will find that older cooking methods are still in use today.

German Foods throughout History

In earlier times, Sheep, cows, and goats were used for dairy products – milk, butter, and cheese and occasionally as meat dishes, which were served during festivals and feasts.

The mildness of German foods stem from earlier times, and consisted primarily of parsley, dill and celery. But, Romans introduced cultivation of the fruit tree and grapevines which opened up more options.

Oats and rye were introduced into the agricultural mix, making culinary choices more sophisticated. In earlier times, around larger cities like Cologne, foods were richer in exotic spices and foods because these cities were more a part of the trading network.

German Cuisine Today

Today, Germans still fall back on their rich heritage, serving wild game, lamb, pork, and beef with old and new ways of preparing them and their side dishes. Popular spices are mustard, horseradish, and juniper berries. Modern German chefs have started to create, lighter fare, and are incorporating traditional foods into their menus, creating a little more food diversity.