Authentic German Panhas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of pork scraps
  • 1 pound of pork liver
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice
  • 4 cups of bread crumbs
  • 4 cups of pork broth
  • 1 tablespoon of butter for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the pork scraps and liver into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the meat.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. Remove the meat from the pot, reserving the broth.
  3. While the meat is cooking, sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet with the butter until they are soft and translucent.
  4. Grind the cooked meat in a meat grinder or food processor until it is finely ground. Return the ground meat to the pot.
  5. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, marjoram, and allspice to the pot with the meat. Mix well to combine.
  6. Stir in the bread crumbs, then slowly add the reserved broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture has the consistency of a thick paste.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula.
  8. Let the panhas cool completely, then cover it and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  9. To serve, slice the panhas and fry the slices in a skillet with a little bit of butter until they are browned and crispy.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of meat such as beef, chicken, or turkey instead of pork.
  • Add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs such as thyme, sage, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
  • Replace the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or cornmeal for a different texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free oats.
  • Add grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and tofu.
  • Try different cooking methods such as baking the panhas in the oven instead of frying it.
  • Serve the panhas with a side of applesauce, sauerkraut, or mustard for a tangy accompaniment.

Recipe overview

Panhas is a traditional German dish that's cherished for its hearty and comforting flavors. This recipe takes you through the process of preparing Panhas from scratch, using affordable and easily accessible ingredients like pork scraps and liver, aromatic spices, and bread crumbs. The result is a rich and savory meatloaf that's best enjoyed sliced and pan-fried until crispy, ideally served with a side of potatoes or bread. Preparation is straightforward but requires some patience, as the meat needs to simmer until tender and the finished Panhas must rest overnight. However, the end result is well worth the wait! This classic dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to bring warmth to your table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use different types of meat in this recipe. However, the traditional recipe calls for pork scraps and pork liver.
  2. Can I substitute the pork broth with another type of broth?
    It is recommended to use pork broth for the authentic flavor of Panhas. However, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth if desired.
  3. How can I store the Panhas?
    After cooking and cooling the Panhas, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to slice and fry it before serving.
  4. Can I freeze Panhas?
    Yes, you can freeze Panhas. Wrap the cooked and cooled Panhas tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before frying and serving.
  5. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
    Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less salt, pepper, or spices to suit your liking.
  6. Can I make Panhas without using a meat grinder or food processor?
    While a meat grinder or food processor makes it easier to achieve a finer texture, you can still make Panhas without them. Finely chop the cooked meat and mix it with the other ingredients until well combined.
  7. Is Panhas gluten-free?
    The traditional recipe includes bread crumbs, which usually contain gluten. To make Panhas gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or substitute with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Large Pot - Used for boiling the pork scraps and liver.
  • Skillet - For sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • Meat Grinder or Food Processor - To finely grind the cooked meat.
  • Loaf Pan - Used to shape and cool the panhas mixture.
  • Spatula - For pressing down the mixture in the loaf pan.
  • Knife - To slice the panhas before frying.
  • Frying Pan - For frying the panhas slices until they are crispy.

Origin stories

This hearty dish originates from the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States, an area steeped in German heritage. Panhas, also known as "scrapple," is a testament to the resourcefulness of these early German-American settlers. They believed in using every part of the animal in their cooking, leaving nothing to waste. Panhas was typically made after butchering, using the leftover scraps of pork that didn't find their way into other dishes. This tradition of making the most out of every ingredient embodies the Pennsylvania Dutch mantra of thrift and simplicity. Despite its humble origins, panhas has endured as a beloved comfort food, not only in Pennsylvania, but also in many other parts of the country where German influence is strong. It serves as a tasty reminder of a time when every morsel was appreciated, every meal a celebration.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.