Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these authentic Lithuanian Potato Pancakes, or Bulviniai Blynai, are a comforting staple of Baltic cuisine. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect served with sour cream, bacon, or farmer’s cheese dip for a true taste of Lithuania.
Ingredients
- 800 g (1.8 lb) starchy yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled
- 1 tsp salt, plus extra to sprinkle on top
- 1 small egg
- 6 tbsp odourless oil (vegetable or sunflower), for frying
- Sour cream or farmer’s cheese dip, to serve
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Grate finely using the zester side of a box grater, or blend into a paste using a food processor.
- If liquid pools on top of the grated potatoes, spoon it off. For watery potatoes, strain through a sieve or cheesecloth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the egg and salt. If needed, add a tablespoon of potato starch or corn starch for extra binding.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan and gently flatten.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Add more oil as needed between batches.
- Serve hot with sour cream or farmer's cheese dip.
Notes
Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, these traditional Lithuanian Potato Pancakes, known locally as Bulviniai Blynai, are the kind of comfort food that warms the soul ❤️. Whether you serve them with a creamy dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of farmer’s cheese dip, or enjoy them plain and sizzling from the pan, they bring the flavor of Lithuanian heritage straight to your kitchen.
🇱🇹 A True Taste of Lithuanian Comfort Food
Lithuanian cuisine is rooted in simplicity and heartiness—and these classic potato pancakes are a perfect example. Made with just three main ingredients, they transform humble pantry staples into something unbelievably delicious. Bulviniai Blynai are typically served as a main course, not just a side dish. In Lithuania, it’s common to see plates piled high with golden, crispy pancakes sprinkled with salt and generously topped with sour cream or varškės padažas (farmer's cheese dip). 👉 Did you know?"Bulviniai Blynai" literally means "potato pancakes" in Lithuanian—no mystery here, just straight-up comfort food!
🧰 Kitchen Tools You'll Need
To make authentic Lithuanian Potato Pancakes, here’s what you’ll need:-
Box Grater (with a fine/zester side) 🧀
This is the secret to that fine, creamy potato texture. It’s a bit of a workout—but totally worth it.
Pro Tip: Many Lithuanian dishes, like Kugelis and Cepelinai, use this grating method.
Want to save your knuckles? A powerful food processor works wonders too! -
Large Mixing Bowl 🥣
For combining all your ingredients with room to spare. -
Non-Stick Frying Pan 🍳
Essential for that perfect golden crust. Speed things up by using two pans at once—you won’t want anyone waiting for their pancakes!
🥔 The Best Potatoes for Potato Pancakes
Since potatoes are the star of the show, choosing the right variety is key! You want extra starchy potatoes that fry up crispy on the outside and soft inside.- In Europe: Try Laura, Vineta, or Soraya potatoes.
- In the U.S.: Yukon Gold is excellent, or go with Russet for a crispier texture.
- In the UK: Look for Albert Bartlett Butter Gold—our favorite.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Bulviniai Blynai
✅ Prevent Browning: Add a dash of lemon juice to the grated potatoes to keep them from turning gray.✅ Work Quickly: Grated potatoes oxidize fast—so don’t let them sit around too long!
✅ Adjust for Moisture: Drain watery potatoes using a cheesecloth or sieve. Add starch if needed.
✅ Flavor Boost: Add grated onion to the mix for an extra traditional touch.
✅ Crispy Every Time: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—test with a tiny bit of batter first.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Lithuanian Potato Pancakes are traditionally served with:- Sour cream or Farmer’s Cheese Dip 🧀
- Bacon bits or crispy rashers 🥓 for a heartier twist
- Smoked salmon for a modern flair 🐟
- As a side dish with eggs at breakfast (think Lithuanian-style hash browns!) 🍳
