These potato pancakes are a classic comfort food, featuring grated potatoes, onions, and dill, bound together with a simple batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a delightful breakfast, brunch, or side dish. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients, ensuring a tasty result every time.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 100 g (about 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 medium potato (about 210 g), peeled and grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potato:
- Peel the potato and grate it using a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment.
- Place the grated potato in a bowl. If you are using a mature potato, you may want to squeeze out any excess liquid, to make sure the batter is not too watery.
- Set the grated potato aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs until lightly frothy.
- Add the milk to the beaten eggs and mix well.
- Add Aromatics:
- Finely chop the onion and dill.
- Add the chopped onion and dill to the egg and milk mixture. Stir to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- Fold in Grated Potato:
- Gently fold the grated potato into the batter until it is evenly distributed.
- Cook the Potato Pancakes:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, spoon the batter into the pan to form pancakes of your desired size. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of batter per pancake.
- Cook the pancakes until golden brown on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 3-4 minutes more.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Once cooked, remove the potato pancakes from the pan using a slotted spatula or tongs.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the potato pancakes hot, garnished with additional chopped dill if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make potato pancakes!
Nutritional Facts:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 pancakes)
- Calories: 180-250 kcal
- Protein: 6-8g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Delicious: Uses basic ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.
- Comforting: Warm and savory, ideal for any time of year.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to add other flavors.
Health Benefits of:
- Source of Carbohydrates: Potatoes provide energy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes and onions contain essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fiber: Potatoes offer dietary fiber.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Top with applesauce or a fruit compote.
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with cooked bacon or sausage.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips:
- Remove Excess Moisture: If the grated potato is very wet, squeeze out some of the liquid to prevent soggy pancakes.
- Hot Pan: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the batter to achieve crispy edges.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the pancakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pancakes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the batter before cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations to Try:
- Add Garlic: Mince a clove of garlic and add it to the batter.
- Use Different Herbs: Try adding chives, parsley, or thyme.
- Cheese Pancakes: Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the batter.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.
- Spicy Pancakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion:
These crispy potato pancakes are a classic and comforting dish that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy these savory pancakes any time of day. Experiment with different variations and find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a food processor to grate the potatoes?
- Yes, a food processor with a grating attachment makes the process quicker.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- It’s best to cook them fresh, but you can keep them warm in a low oven.
- How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
- Use a non-stick pan and ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter.
- Can I bake these pancakes?
- Yes, you can bake them, but they won’t be as crispy. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
- Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat in a pan or oven.
- What dipping sauces go well with potato pancakes?
- Sour cream, applesauce, and ketchup are popular choices.
- Can I use milk alternatives?
- Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or other milk alternatives.
- How do I make the pancakes crispier?
- Ensure the oil is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan.