Great Side Dish: German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad

Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish. America's Test Kitchen, Published September 1, 2003.

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.

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

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.

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. Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat until softened and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in sugar until dissolved, about 30 seconds. Add vinegar and reserved potato cooking water; bring to simmer and cook until mixture is reduced to about 1 cup, about 3 minutes. Off heat, whisk in mustard and pepper. Add potatoes, parsley, and bacon to skillet and toss to combine; adjust seasoning with salt. Transfer to serving bowl and serve.