Description
Classic Potato Pancakes are crispy, golden fritters made from grated russet potatoes and onions, bound with eggs and flour, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and fried to perfection. This traditional Eastern European breakfast favorite is served hot with sour cream and applesauce for a comforting, flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Pancakes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Applesauce
Instructions
- Grate the vegetables: Using a box grater or food processor, finely grate the peeled potatoes and onion together. This creates the base texture for the pancakes.
- Drain excess moisture: Place the grated mixture in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy pancakes.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the drained potatoes and onion to a large bowl. Add the eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and cohesive.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Proper oil temperature ensures even frying and crispiness.
- Fry the pancakes: Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil for each pancake. Flatten slightly with a spatula to form an even shape. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat frying: Continue frying the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed to maintain the right frying depth and heat.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes hot with a side of sour cream and applesauce for a traditional finish.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are very well drained to achieve extra crispy pancakes.
- You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped fresh parsley or chives to the batter.
- Maintain medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the pancakes cook through.
- Use russet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
