Potato Pancakes – Poland

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. You can use a food processor with a grating attachment or a hand grater to grate the potatoes finely.

1. Drain and Squeeze:

• Drain the grated potatoes in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. Squeeze the grated potatoes with your hands to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Transfer the drained potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the finely grated onion to the grated potatoes. The onion adds flavor and helps keep the pancakes moist. Stir to combine.
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the potato-onion mixture.
• Gradually add the flour, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The batter should have a slightly thick consistency.

1. Heat the Oil:

• In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. To test if it’s hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.

1. Fry the Pancakes:

• Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Use the back of the spoon to flatten the pancake into a round shape, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. You can make the pancakes as large or small as you prefer.
• Fry the pancakes until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a spatula to flip them over.
• Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature while you cook the remaining pancakes.

1. Serve:

• Serve the potato pancakes hot with sour cream or applesauce, if desired. Traditional Polish toppings also include sugar or cinnamon for a sweet variation.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Polish potato pancakes! They make a fantastic side dish or even a main course when served with various toppings.