Himmel Un Ääd In Cologne: Where To Find This Local Delicacy

Himmel Un Ääd is a traditional dish from the Cologne region in Germany. The name of the dish, which translates to Heaven and Earth, comes from its ingredients: apples from the trees (sky) and potatoes from the earth. It is made with black pudding served with mashed potatoes, fried onions, and sweet apple sauce. If you're ever in Cologne, this is a must-try dish! You can find it at traditional restaurants in the area, and it is said to be the perfect hangover food.

What is Himmel un Ääd?

Himmel un Ääd is a traditional dish from the German city of Cologne. The name of the dish means 'Heaven and Earth' and refers to its ingredients: apples from the trees (sky) and potatoes from the ground. Himmel und Ääd consists of black pudding served with mashed potatoes, fried onions, and sweet apple sauce.

The dish is said to be delicious, with the sweetness of the apple sauce providing a refreshing contrast to the savoury black pudding and potatoes.

One place to try Himmel un Ääd in Cologne is the restaurant that shares its name, located on the top floor of a former water tower. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Cologne skyline, including the cathedral and the river. The restaurant's ambience, lighting, noise levels, and comfortable seating all contribute to a relaxing dining experience.

If you're visiting Cologne, Himmel un Ääd is a must-try dish, offering a unique blend of flavours and a true taste of the region.

What are the ingredients?

The traditional dish Himmel und Ääd (or Himmel Un Äd) from Cologne gets its name from its ingredients: apples from the trees (sky) and potatoes from the earth. The dish consists of black pudding served with mashed potatoes, fried onions, and sweet apple sauce.

To make the dish, you will need to peel and cook potatoes. Drain the potatoes, then add milk and butter to the pot and make a purée with a potato masher. Fry the onion on medium heat with a little oil and salt. Cut the black pudding into 1cm thick rings and bread it in flour. Preheat oil in a large pan and fry the black pudding on each side for one minute or until crispy. Serve with the mashed potatoes, onion, and apple sauce on the side.

Where to find it in Cologne?

Himmel Un Ääd is a traditional dish from the region of Cologne. The name of the dish means "Heaven and Earth" and comes from its ingredients: apples from the trees (sky) and potatoes from the earth. It is made up of black pudding served with mashed potatoes, fried onions, and sweet apple sauce.

If you're looking to try this delicious dish in Cologne, here are some places you can find it:

• Traditional restaurants in the area: Ask locals or look for restaurants serving traditional German cuisine.
• Himmel Un Äd Restaurant Located on the top floor of a former water tower, this restaurant offers a unique setting with a beautiful view of the Cologne skyline. It is known for its comfortable ambience, good food, and service. You can find it at Hotel Wasserturm Hauptstrasse 293 51143 Cologne, Germany.

Trying the local cuisine is a great way to experience the culture of a place, and Himmel Un Ääd is definitely a dish you should not miss when visiting Cologne!

How to make it at home?

Himmel und Ääd, or 'Heaven and Earth', is a traditional German dish from the region of Cologne. The name of the dish comes from its ingredients: apples from the trees ("sky" or "heaven") and potatoes from the earth. It is a delicious combination of sweet and savoury, with black pudding served alongside mashed potatoes, fried onions, and apple sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large tart apples (such as Granny Smiths), sliced
• 4 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• Flour for breading (optional)
• Black pudding (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat 1 inch of water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the potatoes, apples, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Boil for about 10-15 minutes or until tender, then drain.
• Fry the bacon in a separate pan until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels, then set aside.
• In the same pan, cook the onion in the bacon fat until soft and lightly browned.
• Place the potatoes and apples in a serving bowl. Add the butter, salt, and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with nutmeg.
• Top the potatoes and apples with the bacon and onion.
• If desired, you can bread and fry the black pudding separately and serve it on the side.
• Enjoy your homemade Himmel und Ääd!

You can also try a variation where you boil the potatoes and apples, then fry them in a little oil until browned and crispy before mixing with the other ingredients. This dish is typically served with sliced blood sausage, but you can adjust the recipe to your preferences.

What to pair it with?

The Himmel Un Ääd is a traditional German dish from Cologne, consisting of black pudding, mashed potatoes, fried onions, and sweet apple sauce. The name Himmel Un Ääd, or Himmel und Erde, means "Heaven and Earth", referring to the ingredients of apples from the trees (sky) and potatoes from the earth.

When pairing drinks with this dish, it is important to consider the contrasting flavours and textures. Here are some suggestions:

• Beer: As Cologne is known for its beer, pairing Himmel Un Ääd with a local brew can be an excellent choice. The crispness and carbonation of a cold beer can help cut through the richness of the black pudding and mashed potatoes, while the malt and hop flavours can complement the sweetness of the apple sauce.
• Wine: If you prefer wine, consider a medium-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel. These wines tend to have notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice that can enhance the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, a dry Riesling or a crisp, fruity white wine like a Pinot Grigio can also work well with the apple sauce and cut through the fattiness of the dish.
• Cider: For a refreshing option, cider can be an excellent choice. The crisp, sweet, and slightly acidic nature of cider can complement the apple sauce and provide a nice contrast to the savoury elements of the dish.
• Cocktails: For something a little more creative, consider cocktails that feature apple flavours or have a refreshing profile. A crisp gin and tonic with a slice of apple, an apple martini, or even a refreshing mojito can all work well with the dish's contrasting flavours.
• Soft Drinks: If you prefer non-alcoholic options, there are several choices that can pair well with Himmel Un Ääd. Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime can be refreshing and help cleanse the palate between bites. Apple juice or cider can also complement the apple sauce in the dish, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

In terms of other dishes to pair with Himmel Un Ääd, consider sides or starters that will complement the flavours and textures of the main course. Here are some suggestions:

• Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Consider adding apples or cranberries to the salad for a touch of sweetness that will tie in with the apple sauce.
• Pickles: Crisp, sour pickles can help cut through the richness of the black pudding and provide a refreshing contrast. Consider cornichons, gherkins, or even pickled red onions.
• Cheese: A sharp, tangy cheese can be a nice addition to the dish. Consider crumbled goat cheese or shaved aged cheddar on top of the mashed potatoes for a flavour boost.
• Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables can add a depth of flavour and texture to the dish. Asparagus, broccoli, or carrots prepared with a touch of butter and herbs can be excellent choices.
• Soups: To start your meal, consider a soup that will complement the flavours of Himmel Un Ääd. A creamy butternut squash soup or a tangy tomato soup can work well, providing a contrast or harmony of flavours.

Remember, when pairing drinks and dishes, it is essential to consider your personal preferences and taste. These suggestions provide a starting point, but feel free to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your palate.

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