Description
Classic crispy potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, lightly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. Served best with sour cream or applesauce, these savory pancakes make a perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley, chopped
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving (Optional)
- Sour cream or applesauce
Instructions
- Drain the Potatoes: Place the grated potatoes into a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your pancakes become crispy rather than soggy.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes, finely chopped onion, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs if using. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Heat the Oil: Pour a thin layer of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, preparing it for frying the pancakes.
- Form and Fry the Pancakes: Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture into the hot skillet. Flatten each scoop gently with a spatula to form a pancake. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil, keeping them crisp.
- Serve: Serve the potato pancakes hot with optional sour cream or applesauce for a delicious and traditional accompaniment.
Notes
- Pressing out the potato liquid is essential to achieve crispy pancakes.
- You can add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance flavor.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking.
- Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low oven if preparing in batches.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Eastern European
