Belarusian Draniki: A Classic Potato Pancake Recipe
Discover the traditional flavors of Eastern European cuisine with this authentic Belarusian Draniki recipe. Draniki, or potato pancakes, are a beloved classic in Belarus, offering a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Perfect for anyone who appreciates simple yet satisfying meals. Let’s cook up some Draniki together!
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Grate the peeled potatoes using the fine side of a grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained potatoes, finely chopped onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined.
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it to form a pancake. Carefully place it in the skillet.
- Fry the Draniki for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Once cooked, transfer the Draniki to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Continue with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the Draniki hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can bake the Draniki in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
- Add herbs such as dill or chives to the potato mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Leftover Draniki can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispiness.
Whether you’re cooking for a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, these homemade Belarusian Draniki are sure to satisfy any craving. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this traditional dish, and feel free to share it with friends and family!