In the world of comfort food, few things are as satisfying as a crispy, golden-brown pancake made not from flour and sugar, but from a robust mix of vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that takes the humble potato to new heights—the Savory Potato and Vegetable Pancake. This dish is not just a testament to the versatility of potatoes but also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals in a deliciously tempting form.
Why This Pancake Stands Out
This savory pancake blends the heartiness of potatoes with the freshness of onions, carrots, peppers, and tomatoes, creating a colorful and nutrient-packed meal. Infused with Italian herbs and enriched with a tang of cheese, each bite offers a burst of flavors that’s enhanced by a delightful crispy texture. It’s a perfect recipe for any meal of the day, from a brunch that impresses to a comforting dinner at the end of a long day.
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup liquid yogurt (125 ml / 4.3 fl.oz.)
- 4 tablespoons flour (100 g / 3.5 oz.)
- 150 grams of cheese (5.3 oz.), grated
- Parsley, chopped
- Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sunflower oil, for cooking
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, carrot, and diced pepper and tomatoes.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and a generous amount of Italian herbs to the vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly seasoned.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix with the liquid yogurt and flour until you have a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture into the vegetable mixture. Add the grated cheese and chopped parsley, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook: Heat a large non-stick skillet with a bit of sunflower oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the potato mixture, spreading it evenly. Cook on medium-low heat until the underside is golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes, then flip carefully with a large spatula and cook the other side for another 10 minutes.
- Serve: Once both sides are crispy and golden, remove from heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with additional yogurt or your favorite dipping sauce.
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or extra yogurt mixed with fresh herbs.
- Add a side of green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Preparation at a Glance
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
- Total Time: 40-44 minutes
Ingredients and Directions Simplified
The magic of this dish starts with three large potatoes, grated, alongside a finely chopped onion and grated carrot, which form the base of the pancake. Diced peppers and tomatoes add a juicy crunch, elevating the textures and flavors. The mixture gets its binding from two whisked eggs combined with liquid yogurt and flour, ensuring that every ingredient melds perfectly when cooked.
In terms of seasoning, a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs, along with salt and black pepper, are added for an aromatic touch that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The grated cheese (your choice, though something that melts well is preferable) and chopped parsley are stirred into the mix, introducing a creamy melt and a fresh verdancy that’s hard to resist.
Cooking the Perfect Pancake
Cooking this pancake requires a bit of attention. You start by heating a large non-stick skillet with sunflower oil over medium heat. Once hot, the vegetable and potato mixture is poured in and spread evenly. The key is to cook it on medium-low heat until the underside forms a golden and crispy exterior, which takes about 10-12 minutes. A careful flip allows the other side to crisp up as well, resulting in a uniformly cooked, irresistible pancake.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable pancake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed hot directly from the skillet, cut into wedges. For an added touch of luxury, top it with a dollop of sour cream or extra yogurt mixed with fresh herbs. Pairing the pancake with a green salad can add a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness with a light, crisp texture.
Whether you’re looking to introduce more vegetables into your diet or just want a new recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, this Savory Potato and Vegetable Pancake is sure to satisfy. Its rustic charm and flavorful profile make it a delightful choice for any occasion, promising to warm the belly and the heart with each flavorful slice.