Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Begin by peeling and grating the potatoes and onion. After grating, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to achieving that crispy texture.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with the beaten eggs. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder until well mixed.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Pancakes: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon to form a pancake. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the pancakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, applesauce, or a sprinkle of chives.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grater or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Potato Pancakes
- Drain the Potatoes Well: The key to crispy potato pancakes is removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Don’t skip the step of squeezing them in a kitchen towel!
- Use a Hot Skillet: Make sure your oil is hot before you start frying. If it’s not hot enough, the pancakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pancakes in batches if necessary, giving them enough room to crisp up properly.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.
- Cheesy Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan work great) to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the batter if you like your pancakes with a bit of heat.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these are so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until crispy again. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
