Ingredients

• 500g potatoes (2-3 medium-sized)
• Water (enough to soak the potatoes)
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 25g green onions, finely chopped
• 200g mozzarella cheese
• Cooking oil, as needed for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Use a tool (such as a mandolin slicer) to thinly slice the potatoes. You want uniform, thin slices for even cooking.
   • Place the potato slices in a large bowl filled with water, and add 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Let them soak for 10 minutes. This process helps to remove excess starch, which makes the potatoes crispier when cooked.
2. Retain the Potato Starch:
   • After 10 minutes, do not discard the water. Instead, drain the potato slices while keeping the water. Let the water sit for a few minutes so the starch settles at the bottom of the bowl.
   • Carefully pour off the water, leaving the starch at the bottom. This potato starch will help bind the eggs and potatoes later.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, crack 3 eggs, then add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
   • Add the retained potato starch into the egg mixture and whisk again. This will help create a cohesive pancake.
4. Prepare the Green Onions:
   • Chop the 25g of green onions finely and set aside. These will be added between the layers for extra flavor.
5. Cook the First Layer of Potatoes:
   • Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
   • Pour half of the sliced potatoes into the pan, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
   • If you have a lid, cover the pan to help the potatoes cook evenly.
   • Once the potatoes are golden brown on one side, gently flip them over to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until crispy.
6. Add the Cheese Layer:
   • Once the first layer of potatoes is cooked, lower the heat and sprinkle 200g of mozzarella cheese evenly over the potatoes. Let the cheese melt slightly before adding the next layer of potatoes.
7. Cook the Second Layer of Potatoes:
   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil and pour in the remaining half of the potatoes.
   • Cook this layer for another 3-5 minutes, covering the pan with a lid to ensure even cooking.
   • Once both sides of the second layer are golden and crispy, carefully place this layer on top of the melted cheese.
8. Finish Cooking:
   • Allow the entire pancake to cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and binds the two layers together.
   • Once the pancake is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, remove it from the heat.
9. Serve:
   • Slice the cheesy layered potato pancake and serve hot. It pairs well with a side salad or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Tips

• Soaking the potatoes: Don’t skip the step of soaking the potatoes in salted water, as this helps remove excess starch and ensures that your potato slices cook evenly and become crispy.
• Use a non-stick pan: To prevent the potatoes from sticking and to make flipping easier, use a non-stick frying pan.
• Cheese selection: Mozzarella is used for its melting properties, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Low and slow cooking: Cooking on medium-low heat helps the potatoes cook through without burning and ensures the cheese melts thoroughly.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked potato pancake. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or pan until crispy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   • Yes, sweet potatoes can be used, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter, and the texture may differ.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Absolutely! You can add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms between the layers for extra nutrients and flavor.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
   • This potato pancake pairs well with a fresh salad, sour cream, or even a fried egg on top for a complete meal.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
   • You can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat mozzarella. Baking the entire pancake instead of frying it is another way to reduce oil.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all ingredients, especially the cheese, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Layered Potato Pancake is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together the comfort of crispy potatoes and the richness of melted cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different herbs, spices, and even vegetables to suit your taste. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish, this potato pancake is sure to be a hit at any table. With its crispy golden layers and gooey cheese center, it’s perfect for satisfying any craving for comfort food. Try it today for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal!