himmel und erde recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
himmel und erde recipe
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The Best himmel und erde recipe

I first discovered Himmel und Erde, a German potato and carrot dish, on a trip to Berlin. The simplicity of the recipe caught my attention – just boiled potatoes and carrots served with a side of pork or bacon.

I was intrigued by the combination of textures and flavors. My family loves this dish because it’s easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.

We’ve made it for casual weeknight dinners and for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings. The health benefits are also a bonus – the dish is high in fiber and vitamins from the potatoes and carrots.

The addition of pork or bacon adds a boost of protein. I love how this recipe brings everyone together at the table, with its comforting and homey feel.

It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Himmel und Erde

Himmel und Erde

4.9 from 753 votes

Himmel und Erde is a classic German dish combining apples (heaven) and potatoes (earth) with blood sausage and caramelized onions. It is a hearty and sweet-savory comfort food perfect for cold weather.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes and Apples

1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
500 g apples (tart variety), peeled, cored and diced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk, warm
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Onions and Sausage

2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 blood sausages (Blutwurst or similar)
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cubed potatoes and diced apples in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3Drain the potatoes and apples thoroughly, then return them to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to steam off excess moisture.
4Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher or ricer until smooth.
5Add the butter, warm milk, nutmeg, salt and white pepper to the mashed mixture.
6Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until creamy and well combined.
7Cover and set aside to keep warm.
8In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the vegetable oil over medium heat.
9Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until they are deeply golden and caramelized.
10Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate.
11In the same skillet, add the blood sausages and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until the casings are browned and the sausages are heated through.
12The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
13To serve, spoon a generous portion of the potato-apple mash onto each plate.
14Place a blood sausage alongside and top with the caramelized onions.
15Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Potato masher or ricer
Large skillet
Knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

Tips: For a milder flavor, use a sweet apple variety like Gala or Fuji. If blood sausage is not available, you can substitute with bratwurst or another mild pork sausage.

Watch Video Of How Himmel und Erde Works

Storing leftovers is easy. Just put the mash in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, I like to add a little milk or broth and warm it in a pan over medium heat, stirring until it is hot and creamy again. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the stovetop gives a better texture.

For serving, I often spoon the Himmel und Erde into a bowl and top it with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for extra crunch. It also works well as a base for sausages or as a side for a Sunday roast.

This dish is always a good idea for family gatherings because it is simple to make, pleases almost everyone, and brings a touch of German comfort food to the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Himmel und Erde

1. Can I make Himmel und Erde ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back the creamy texture.

2. What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tang, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy and lose flavor during cooking.

3. Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil. Use vegetable broth instead of any chicken broth if you add liquid. The dish will still be creamy and delicious without any dairy.

4. What main dishes go well with Himmel und Erde?

This side dish is classic with German sausages like bratwurst or knackwurst. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted pork, schnitzel, or even meatloaf. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted chicken or a simple green salad.

5. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey when mashing?

Be careful not to overwork the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a ricer instead of a mixer or food processor. Also, make sure the potatoes are fully cooked but not waterlogged. Drain them well before mashing, and add the butter and apples gently.

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