The one thing I like about the German language, is its accuracy. If you want to express something, there would always be a suitable word. But once you learn it, it gets confusing, since you miss this word in every other language you speak.

One of my favorite particular words in German is Deftig. It’s an adjective from the world of food, that is supposed to describe a dish that is substantial and filling in a good way. Dictionaries translate it as “a good and solid meal”, which I guess is the nearest you can get.

Winter is the official season for “Deftige Mahlzeiten” – good and solid meals. Something that would give you enough energy to go out and do your daily stuff through a snow storm, and keep you full for a long time.

No surprise – potatoes take a big role in these meals. But potatoes are not enough, you need some protein. And luckily, we live in times when we can spare our farm animals and reach similar results. Like these pancakes, which contain enough carbs, protein and fat to make you happy on a cold day, and are also tasty as hell.

Ingredients (10 large patties):
4 medium potatoes
2 medium onions
100g smoked tofu
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Here I have to mention – smoked tofu is a problematic product. Every brand is different and you might need to experiment with different brands to get the best result. I try to pick the driest, firmest one that is also brown from the inside.

Start with grating all the vegetables through the big holes of the grater. Chop the tofu my hand to small dice, and add there as well. Add the oil, spices and flour and mix by hand. Start with 2 tablespoons of flour, and if needed add the third one. The amount depends on the liquids in the potato and onion, therefore could vary from batch to batch. The final mixture should be sticky but not dough-like nor dry.

With wet hands, make big, round patties. Place on a baking tray covered in baking paper. Bake at 220 degrees C, upper and lower hear, no vent. Once they are solid, after 15-20 minutes, carefully flip, and bake until golden, around 15 minutes more.

Make a dip from soy yogurt and spring onions, or whatever feels like the right choice of a dip for you, and think of this little pleasures winter allow us to experience.