Himmel und Erde

Apples, potatoes and onions. It's no coincidence that some of the most beloved German meals are made of the most abundant foods grown in Germany. Called "Hausmannskost", a collective term for Worker's Repast (lit., man-of-the-house food), this kind of dish reminds us that people were very good at making due with what they had. It is also something we can think about this season, as we look around at those who have and those who have not.

"Himmel und Erde", or Heaven and Earth, is seen as originating along the Rhine although it is a widespread dish. Cologne and Duesseldorf eat it with fried blood sausage, but many people are content to eat it with bratwurst, cooked bacon or fried bologna. If you refrain from meat, just load it up with heaps of caramelized onions on top.

Other Hausmannskost:

• Spaetzle
• Schupfnudeln
• Pfannekuchen

Photo © J.McGavin