German Heaven and Earth Potatoes (Himmel und Erde)

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
• 2 onions (medium, peeled and sliced)
• 1 lb Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 lb cooking apples (such as Granny Smith; peeled, cored, and sliced into thick wedges)
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• ground nutmeg (a pinch, or to taste)
• salt (to taste)
• freshly-ground black pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.

2. 2

   Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and just a bit crispy around the edges, about 20 to 25 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, place the cubed potatoes and apple wedges in a large saucepan.

4. 4

   Fill the saucepan with enough generously salted water to cover the potatoes and apples by about 1 inch.

5. 5

   Bring the water to a low boil over medium heat and cook until both the potatoes and apples are fork tender, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. Note that the apples will soften more quickly than the potatoes.

6. 6

   Drain the potato-apple mixture thoroughly and return it to the saucepan.

7. 7

   Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

8. 8

   Mash the mixture to your preference, either leaving it chunky or making it smooth.

9. 9

   Cover the saucepan to keep the mixture warm until ready to serve.

10. 10

    To serve, spoon the caramelized onions over the mashed potatoes and apples.

Notes

The name 'Himmel und Erde' (Heaven and Earth) refers to the apples coming from the trees (heaven) and the potatoes coming from the ground (earth). This dish is traditionally served with Blutwurst (blood sausage) or Bratwurst.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• German
• mashed potatoes
• apples
• vegetarian
• comfort food
• autumn
• winter