Labskaus
Cuisine: German Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Salted Beef
400 grams (400)
Potatoes
500 grams (500)
Onions
2 medium (200)
Pickled Beetroot
2 medium (200)
Pickled Gherkins
4 medium (200)
Pickled Herring Fillets
200 grams (200)
Butter
50 grams (50)
Eggs
4 medium (200)
Rollmops
4 medium (200)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
76 oz
(2,160 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Potatoes
150
Onions
50
Pickles
30
Herring
200
Eggs
70
Butter
100
Beetroot
40
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Nutmeg
0
Capers
10
Sour Cream
200
Totals
1,100 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes.
Step 2: In a large pot, add the chopped potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: While the potatoes are cooking, finely chop the onions and pickles.
Step 4: In a separate pan, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Step 5: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.
Step 6: Add the sautéed onions, chopped pickles, and corned beef to the pot with the potatoes.
Step 7: Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the mixture until well combined and slightly chunky.
Step 8: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground cloves to taste.
Step 9: Place the pot back on low heat and cook the Labskaus for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 10: In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side-up or to your desired doneness.
Step 11: Serve the Labskaus hot, topped with the fried eggs, and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Step 12: Enjoy your homemade Labskaus with pickled beets, rollmops, or gherkins on the side, if desired.
Substitutions
- Instead of salted beef, you can use corned beef or canned corned beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned corned beef may require less cooking time.
- If you don't have pickled herring, you can substitute it with pickled mackerel or pickled sardines.
- For the pickled cucumber, you can use dill pickles or bread and butter pickles as a substitute.
- If you don't have potatoes, you can use turnips or parsnips as a replacement. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- The beetroot can be substituted with red cabbage or cooked red beets.
- Instead of onions, you can use shallots or leeks as a substitute. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
- If you don't have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- For the fried egg topping, you can use a poached or soft-boiled egg instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
Please note that these substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the final dish. Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be required based on personal preference and the substitute ingredients used.
Pairings
- Pickled herring
- Fried eggs
- Beetroot salad
- Gherkins
- Rye bread
- Mustard
- Cured meats
- Crispy bacon
- Sour cream
- Capers
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve the Labskaus in a ring mold to create a neat and elegant shape.
- Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil or balsamic reduction on top.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a touch of finely grated lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Incorporate a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky undertone.
- Sauté a handful of finely chopped mushrooms separately and mix them into the Labskaus for added depth.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular beef or corned beef with tender, high-quality wagyu beef or smoked salmon for a more indulgent experience.
- Replace regular potatoes with truffle-infused mashed potatoes for a luxurious twist.
- Top the Labskaus with a dollop of crème fraîche or a quail egg for added richness and elegance.
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of meat or substitute with plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh for individuals following a low-fat or vegetarian diet.
- Replace traditional white potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower carbohydrate option suitable for individuals following a low-carb or diabetic diet.
- Use low-sodium or no-salt-added broth and seasonings for individuals on a low-sodium diet.
- Opt for whole grain bread or gluten-free bread for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to increase the nutrient content and make it more suitable for individuals following a balanced diet.
- Reduce the amount of added fats, such as butter or oil, for individuals following a low-fat or weight management diet.
- Offer a side salad or steamed vegetables as a substitute for the traditional pickled herring or fish topping for individuals following a vegetarian or pescatarian diet.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with lean turkey or chicken.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and onions.
- Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content.
- Opt for low-sodium beef or vegetable broth instead of traditional salty broth.
- Use whole grain bread instead of white bread for serving.
- Consider using olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for cooking.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and season with herbs and spices instead.
- Serve Labskaus with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add more fiber and vitamins to the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked or canned corned beef instead of boiling fresh beef to save cooking time.
2. Replace pickled herring with canned or jarred pickled herring to eliminate the need for marinating.
3. Use pre-made or store-bought mashed potatoes instead of boiling and mashing fresh potatoes.
4. Opt for frozen or pre-cooked beets instead of boiling and peeling fresh beets.
5. Substitute pre-packaged sauerkraut for homemade sauerkraut to save fermentation time.
6. Utilize pre-made or store-bought beef broth instead of making broth from scratch.
7. Consider using pre-cut or frozen onions instead of chopping fresh onions.
8. Use store-bought or ready-to-eat gherkins instead of pickling fresh gherkins.
9. Incorporate pre-packaged or jarred capers instead of pickling fresh capers.
10. Explore using pre-made or store-bought mustard instead of making mustard from scratch.