Do Austrians have their own potato salad or is it the same thing as German potato salad?

Question

Also, how different is Austrian cuisine from German cuisine?Thanks!

Answer 1

The difference between Austrian cuisine and German cuisine overall are not that big in general. On the other hand, you have to realise that this is a generalisation, as the truly traditional cuisine in Germany as well as in Austria depended very much on your direct surroundings. A dish from southern Bavaria would basically be unheard of in Hamburg, while Austrians might also eat it and even have the same name for it. Both Germany and Austria basically have similar climate, though, so the diferences are not that big overall. There are the usual roasts, the usual potato dumplings, the vegetables that grow well in a climate as the middle-European. However, Austrian cuisine is known for their "Mehlspeisen", their sweet main dishes such as "Kaiserschmarrn", "Strudel", "Dampfnudel", and there exists an emphasis on dairy products, with many dishes relying heavily on cheeses, butter, cream... Considering the time span the usual "traditional" dishes come from, that is hardly surprising. Back than, Austria, with its situation on and in the Alps, had many farmers high up on mountains, where the best thing to do was keep cows, goats and sheep, who all produced milk, and growing any kind of corn/wheat/oats... was a dangerous undertaking, and very labor-intensive.

Nowadays, though, the cuisine is not that different between the two countires. Besides, there are new influences, such as Döner, Pizza, Gyros, Tacos, Burgers and Crepes.

Answer 2

Here is my recipe for Austrian Potato Salad.  

1) Take five kilos of potatos.

2) Boil the bejesus out of them.

3) Smash them all up.

4)  Add whatever you have in the refrigerator.

5) Throw that smelly mess away.

6) Go to the deli.

7) Buy some potato salad.

8) Tell everyone it's Austrian.

9) Get real drunk.

10) Repeat.  

OBTW, they don't grow pumpkins in Austria.  Hence no pumpkin seed oil.

Answer 3

Austrian Potato Salad

This unusual potato salad is simply wonderful, it contains no Mayo. The use of pumpkin seed oil gives a super flavour. We us e this as a side dish to Chilli con carne. There are never any leftovers.

1 lb potato, peeled and thinly sliced

1 large onion, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/4 cup pumpkin seed oil

1/8 cup cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ground paprika

salt

water

1Cook the sliced potatoes till just tender, drain and set aside.

2In a large bowl mix together all the other ingredients.

3Add salt to taste, dilute with a little water if the flavour is too strong. You can add more oil, vinegar to make more dressing if necessary.

4Mix in the potatoes, stir all together gently so as not to break up the potatoes.