How to Make Labskaus: A Simple Recipe for Home Cooks!

Labskaus is a classic dish in Hamburg, Germany. Some places top it with a fried egg for good measure. It’s a bit unique looking but tastes surprisingly good.

Labskaus’ Maritime Connection

Labskaus has deep maritime roots. Back in the day, sailors relied on this hearty dish during long sea voyages. It’s a practical creation because its ingredients – corned beef, potatoes, and onions – were easy to store onboard, and they could whip it up in the ship’s galley without much fuss. Almost like a culinary anchor, providing sustenance for sailors navigating the high seas. So, labskaus isn’t just a meal; it’s a seafaring tradition.

Easy Labskaus recipe

This recipe serves four people and can be whipped up in approximately 45 minutes.

You need this to make labskaus

1 small onion, chopped
4 teaspoons butter, divided
500 g (1 lb) potato, peeled and quartered (about 4 medium)
1⁄2 cup milk
1 cup beef broth
300 g (10 ounces) corned beef, diced
1 x 300 g (10 ounces) can of pickled beets, in slices (small can)
1 tablespoon pickled beet juice
4 eggs salt & freshly ground black pepper

how to make labskaus

Boil peeled and quartered potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, leaving some chunks.
Add enough broth for moisture, not runniness.
In a skillet, sauté onions in 2 teaspoons butter for 3 minutes; set aside.
Warm corned beef separately.
Dice 5 beet slices, saving the rest.
Mix potatoes, onions, corned beef, diced beets, and a tablespoon of beet juice; season.
In a new skillet, fry eggs in 2 teaspoons butter; season.
Plate the potato-corned beef-beet mix, top with a fried egg, and serve with remaining sliced beets, rollmops, and pickles.

During my visit to Speicherstadt, I first encountered the delightful labskaus. This traditional dish, with its roots deep in maritime history, became a surprising highlight of my journey. That led to me recreating this culinary gem at home. So, I’m thrilled to share the joy of making this German classic with you!

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your meal!