Potato pancakes, or “Deruny” as they’re known in Ukraine, are a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. These golden-brown pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are traditionally made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, and spices. In some regions of Ukraine, they are also referred to as “kartoplyaniki,” “tertyukhy,” “terti plyatski,” or “dranyky.”
While the preparation of potato pancakes is relatively simple, there are a few secrets that can elevate this dish to another level of deliciousness. One key tip is to thoroughly squeeze the grated potatoes to remove any excess liquid. This helps create a thicker batter, ensuring that the pancakes hold their shape during frying. If you find that the batter is too runny, you can add small amounts of flour until you achieve the desired consistency.
Here are some additional tips for making the best potato pancakes you’ve ever tasted:
- Use potatoes with a high starch content for a better texture.
- For lighter and fluffier pancakes, substitute the flour with semolina or omit it altogether.
- Fry the pancakes in a well-heated skillet and avoid covering it with a lid to ensure a crispy crust.
While the classic accompaniment to potato pancakes is sour cream, you can also explore other options such as garlic sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, or even tomato sauce.
Today, we’re sharing a slightly different recipe that adds a delightful twist to the traditional potato pancakes – potato pancakes with cheese! The combination of crispy potatoes and melted cheese is simply irresistible, a culinary match made in heaven. This delectable pairing is a popular choice in many Ukrainian dishes.
These cheese-filled potato pancakes are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. They are easy to prepare and offer endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like zucchini, carrots, peas, ham, or bacon to create your own unique variations.
Recipe for Potato Pancakes with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 eggs
- 100 g hard cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 80 g wheat flour
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 100 ml sunflower oil
Instructions:
- Peel and wash the vegetables. Grate them on a medium grater. Mix and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Then squeeze out the excess juice.
- Grate the cheese on a medium grater and add it to the vegetable mixture along with the eggs and flour. Season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
- Heat a skillet with oil and fry the pancakes until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve hot with sour cream.
Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, add minced garlic and herbs to the batter.
- For a softer texture, use mozzarella or suluguni cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Enjoy your delicious potato pancakes with cheese!
