If you’re a fan of potato dishes, then you’ll love Belarusian Draniki, a classic Eastern European potato pancake that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for any meal of the day. This dish is deeply rooted in the Belarusian culinary tradition and is known for its simplicity and versatility. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious pancakes in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 5 large potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by peeling the potatoes and onion. Grate the potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater into a large bowl.
- Take a clean cloth or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated potato and onion mixture. This step is crucial to get crispy pancakes.
- Once the excess liquid is removed, add the grated mixture back into the bowl. Crack the egg into the potato and onion, add the flour, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening them with the back of a spoon to form pancakes.
- Fry the draniki for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil’s temperature and result in less crispy pancakes.
- Once the draniki are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Continue with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Serving:
Serve your Belarusian Draniki hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired, and perhaps a fresh salad or sautéed mushrooms on the side. They make an excellent breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings according to your preference.
Notes:
- For added flavor, some people include a bit of garlic or fresh herbs such as dill into the potato mixture.
- If you prefer, you can substitute traditional white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different twist on the recipe.
- Draniki can also be made smaller and served as appetizers or snacks for a party.
This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a batch of authentic Belarusian Draniki that will impress both guests and family members alike, offering a taste of Belarus right at your table. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this potato pancake dish any day of the week!