Potatoes are a versatile product from which you can prepare many delicious dishes. And, of course, one of the most beloved and popular is classic potato pancakes. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a unique aroma – they can conquer the heart of every gourmet.
This dish is known under different names in many European countries. In Ukraine, they are called “Deruny”, but similar recipes under different names can be found in Polish, German, Austrian, Czech and many other cuisines. This suggests that potato pancakes are a true culinary phenomenon that unites different cultures and traditions.
There are many variations of cooking potato pancakes. Someone adds flour to them for greater density, someone – carrots for color and sweetness, and some housewives even use soda for fluffiness. But the classic recipe remains unchanged – potatoes, onions and eggs. It is these simple ingredients that create the same unique taste that we love so much since childhood.
We also recommend making delicious dumplings with minced meat or cheese.
Secrets of cooking perfect potato pancakes
- Potato selection: For the preparation of potato pancakes, it is best to use potato varieties with a high starch content. It is starch that is responsible for the potato pancakes to keep the shape and not fall apart during frying.
- Grinding: Traditionally, potatoes for potato pancakes are rubbed on a fine grater. But you can experiment and rub it on a coarse grater if you like more textured and crispy dishes. In this case, they will be similar to German potato pancakes – kartoffelpuffer.
- Preventing darkening: To prevent the potatoes from darkening during cooking, add a little lemon juice or a spoonful of sour cream to it.
- Shape: To obtain a perfectly round shape of potato pancakes, you can use silicone molds-rings for eggs and pancakes.
- Frying: Fry the potato pancakes on a well-heated pan with enough oil. The fire should be medium so that they do not burn on the outside and bake inside.
- Serving: Traditionally, potato pancakes are served hot with sour cream. But you can supplement them with a variety of sauces – mushroom, garlic or even berry.
Classic recipe for potato pancakes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes – 1 kg
- Chicken egg – 1 pc.
- Onion – 1 pc.
- Sunflower oil – 60 g
- Sour cream – 100 g
- Salt – to taste
- Black ground pepper – to taste
Preparation:
- Wash and peel the potatoes and onions. Grate them on a fine grater in a large bowl.
- Add egg, salt, pepper and mix.
- Pour oil into a thick-bottomed frying pan with a layer of 3 mm and heat well.
- Use a tablespoon to put the potato mass on the pan in the form of pancakes.
- Fry over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Place the finished potato pancakes on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot with sour cream.
Tips:
- For a richer taste, you can add chopped garlic and finely chopped greens to the dough.
- If the dough is too liquid, add a little flour.
- Potato pancakes can be baked in the oven for a more dietary option.
Potato pancakes are not only a delicious, but also a very versatile dish. They can be both a standalone dish and a side dish to meat, fish or vegetables. Experiment with additives and sauces, create your own unique recipes and enjoy this wonderful dish!
