Potato pancakes, also known as latkes or hash browns, are a delicious and crispy dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Potato Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, applesauce, or chives
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Grate the potatoes and onion (if using) using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for crispy pancakes!
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well. The mixture should be sticky but hold together; add more flour if needed.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat.
- Form and Fry:
- Using a tablespoon or your hands, scoop out a portion of the mixture and flatten it into a patty. Carefully place it in the hot oil.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain:
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, topped with sour cream, applesauce, or fresh chives.
Tips:
- Additions: You can customize the recipe by adding grated carrots, zucchini, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy your crispy potato pancakes!