Potato pancakes
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or more, for frying)
- Sour cream or applesauce (optional, for serving)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This helps make the pancakes crispier.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion.
- Add the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- You’ll know the oil is ready when a small amount of the batter sizzles when dropped into the pan.
Step 4: Fry the Pancakes
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and form it into a small patty. Place it gently in the hot oil.
- Flatten each patty slightly with the back of a spoon to form a pancake shape.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the potato pancakes warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy with sour cream or applesauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Moisture Control: Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the potatoes, as this is key to achieving crispy pancakes.
- Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the pancakes will burn quickly; if it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Adjust the heat as needed.
- Shaping: For uniform pancakes, use a spoon to scoop the batter and press them into the pan gently.
Variations
- Cheese: Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar) to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with garlic powder, chives, or thyme for different flavors in the batter.
- Zucchini Pancakes: Add 1 grated zucchini to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Potato Pancakes
- Crispy and Golden: These pancakes are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.
- Comfort Food: A classic, comforting dish that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your tastes.
Enjoy your potato pancakes! 🥔🥞
