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Preparation time: 30 minutes,
Portions: 6

Potato pancakes, quite a well-known recipe amongst potato lovers because of its significant taste as well as simple and quick preparation. Try the pancakes out today with Hana’s Recipes and for later, get inspired with other potato recipes from our blog!

Potato pancakes: Different names and origins

Who would guess that potato pancakes would carry with themselves such a diverse and rich history, as well as unique names every time a new country adopts them into their national cuisine. Although it is claimed that these pancakes firstly originated in Eastern European regions, their simplicity, unique flavour and overall aroma quickly spoke to other countries too.

Let’s take a look where they got the most popularity over the past years:

  • Germany (Typical names: Kartoffelpuffer & Reibekuchen): The traditional recipe for potato pancakes stays the same in Germany, exactly as in the case of Eastern European regions. However, typical German additions on top of these pancakes involve either the apple sauce or sour cream. Such a meal is quite popular during street food as well as Christmas markets, organised annually in the whole Germany.
  • Poland (Typical name: Placki ziemniaczane): Certainly not surprising since Poland belongs to Eastern European countries. However, the popularity of potato pancakes spread enormously during the last couple of years everywhere in the country. Similarly to Germany, they can be served with the sour cream but also with the mushroom sauce or just a sugar on top, if a person prefers to have a sweet version of potato pancakes.
  • Ireland (Typical name: Boxty): Boxty is a traditional Irish name for potato pancakes. They are prepared in the exact same way as either in Germany or Eastern European countries like Poland. However, the major difference lies in the fact that Irish prefer to consume potato pancakes primarily during breakfast.
  • Scandinavia (Typical name: Raggmunk): Raggmunk is a classic potato pancake name, most commonly used in Sweden. Scandinavian countries are quite well-known for combining savory and sweet flavours and in the case of potato pancakes, there is no exception as well. Raggmunk is normally being served with lingonberry jam. Sometimes, fried pork may be added into pancakes as well to enhance the savory flavours. However, there should always be something sweet on top of pancakes to complement the meal.

As it can be seen, potato pancakes are certainly favourable in Europe. Let’s not waste any more time and start preparing this delicious recipe! You will not need more than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 5 medium-sized potatoes,
  • 2 eggs,
  • 4 cloves of garlic,
  • 1 spoon of smooth flour,
  • Oil,

Spices:

  • Salt,
  • Ground black pepper,
  • Ground red pepper,
  • Crushed cumin,
  • Dried marjoram,
  • Turmeric

Potato pancakes: Simple recipe preparation

1

Begin with peeling, washing and drying the potatoes. Grate them too. We advise to grate half of the potatoes very finely (even mashing them) and the other half to turn into small noodles.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

2After that, add eggs and smooth flour to the grated potatoes.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

3Let’s mix! Add the spices: pepper, salt, ground black pepper, ground red pepper, cumin, garlic and dried marjoram. A little ground turmeric is welcomed as well. It is not something traditionally added into potato pancakes but perfect for our health.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

4Right after, add two tablespoons of oil to a pan, let it heat up and make a patty with a spoon.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

5

Mix everything together. A semi-solid dough should be an outcome as shown below. Therefore, if it is necessary, add more flour to achieve this.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

6

To make the classic potato pancake, spread the dough over the entire surface with a spoon. Fry it until turning golden on both sides. If you prefer, they can be fried in small amount of oil too, however they will not be as crispy at the end.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

7

After the crispy pancakes are done, place them on a paper napkin to remove excess fat. Then serve with whatever you like and prefer on top.

Potato Pancakes. Photo: Nela

We wish you bon appetite to your potato pancakes!

Similar videorecipe for crispy potato pancakes

FAQ 1: Is it possible to freeze potato pancakes?

Yes! You can freeze cooked potato pancakes and utilise them later. However, allow them to cool completely. Then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they become firm. Once potato pancakes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or a container and separate each pancake with the parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. Reheat in the oven for better results. Then serve as fresh!

FAQ 2: Can I make potato pancakes without eggs?

While eggs are considered to be a key ingredient in potato pancake recipes, it is possible to make egg-free versions. The alternatives may include mashed potatoes, flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacers.

FAQ 3: How do I prevent potato pancakes from becoming soggy?

To prevent pancakes from becoming soggy, simply make sure to thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from the grated potatoes by using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth before you mix them with other ingredients. In addition, fry the potato pancakes in hot oil and avoid overcrowding the pan.

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