German Potato Salad

Tired of cold potato salads? German potato salad is best served warm and offers a balance of big flavors from bacon and vinegar—when made correctly. Unlike a nonstick skillet, a traditional skillet will allow the bacon to form caramelized bits on the skillet bottom. This will result in a richer tasting dressing and a more flavorful salad.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  lbs  medium  red potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed (1 to 2 inches in diameter, halved if larger)
•  table salt
• 8  ounces bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 strips)
• 1  medium onion, chopped fine (about 1 cup)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1  tablespoon German mustard, whole-grain
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Directions

1. Place potatoes, 1 tablespoon salt, and water to cover in large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender (thin-bladed paring knife can be slipped into and out of potatoes with little resistance), about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup potato cooking water, then drain potatoes; return potatoes to pot and cover to keep warm.
2. While potatoes are cooking, fry bacon in large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate; pour off all but 1/4 cup bacon grease.
3. Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat until softened and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in sugar until dissolved, about 30 seconds.
5. Add vinegar and reserved potato cooking water; bring to simmer and cook until mixture is reduced to about 1 cup, about 3 minutes.
6. Off heat, whisk in mustard and pepper.
7. Add potatoes, parsley, and bacon to skillet and toss to combine; adjust seasoning with salt.
8. Transfer to serving bowl and serve.