Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth)
This traditional German dish combines fluffy mashed potatoes with sweet, tart apples, often served alongside crispy fried bacon or blood sausage. It's a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a cold evening. The name refers to the apples from trees (heaven) and potatoes from the ground (earth).
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 601 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1,000 gpotato, peeled and quartered
- 500 gapple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 200 gbacon, diced
- 30 gbutter
- 120 mlmilk, warm
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tspsugar(optional)
garnish
- 1 tbspchive, fresh, chopped(optional)
Equipment
slotted spoon · large skillet · large pot · potato masher
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
About 20 min
- 2
While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Save the bacon fat for extra flavor in the apples.
- 3
Add the diced apples to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. If desired, stir in the sugar during the last few minutes of cooking.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Adjust cooking time based on your preferred apple texture – some like them softer, others with a slight bite.
- 4
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or fork. Add the butter and warm milk, then mash until smooth and creamy.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Do not over-mash the potatoes, or they can become gummy.
- 5
Stir the cooked apples into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
About 2 min
- 6
Serve the Himmel und Erde hot, topped with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives, if using.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 600.7kcal
- Protein
- 25.1g
- Carbs
- 63.7g
- Fat
- 27.9g
- Fibre
- 8.7g
- Sugar
- 17.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Himmel und Erde in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.