When one thinks of great world cuisine, it is Chinese, French and Italian that comes to mind. However, German food recipes have something to offer and may be undervalued. The country has regional differences and some national favorites. The main meal is taken at mid-day, although smaller lunches and bigger evening meals are increasingly popular. Breakfast usually consists of bread or bread rolls spread with jam, honey, cured meats or cheese. Bread is important to the German psyche, with 300 different kinds for sale.
Germans are meat lovers on the whole, especially when it comes to their beloved sausage, of which there are 1,500 varieties! Pork is the most favored meat and then poultry and beef. German food recipes often involve boar, rabbit or venison too. Pot-roasting is the preferred method of cooking the meat. Hot mustard often accompanies the meat or horseradish.
Vegetables are sometimes eaten as side dishes or as part of stews and soups. Fried onions and asparagus are very popular. Potatoes have always been a staple but noodles and dumplings are eaten a lot in the south. Fish dishes tend to include strong flavored fish such as herrings, tuna, sardine or mackerel. Salmon is also a common dish.
There is not much call for spicy food, most people preferring the flavor to come through on its own or with some unobtrusive herbs. German food recipes are often washed down with beer or wine. Both wine and beer is successfully exported all over the world and has a good reputation. The most popular non-alcoholic beverages are coffee and apple juice mixed with sparkling mineral water. Fresh fruit is a common ingredient of desserts in German food recipes, decorating cakes and in pies. Cheesecake is a favorite end to a meal or as a snack with coffee.
As with all culinary traditions, influences from the outside play a part. There are plenty fast food chains in the towns and cuisine from other countries is growing in popularity. There are a lot of French, Chinese and Italian restaurants and the Turkish immigrant community has popularized Turkish food. In fact, it was Turkish settlers who invented the donner kebab, a late night supper for many revelers on their way home from the tavern. German food recipes are mainly what keeps the Germans happy. They may not be to every tourist's taste but it's wholesome, home grown food and it should be given a chance.
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