Description
Placki Ziemniaczane are traditional Polish potato pancakes made from grated potatoes and onions, combined with egg and flour, then pan-fried until crispy and golden. These savory pancakes are a delicious comfort food perfect served hot with sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar for a slightly sweet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and washed)
- 1 large Onion (omit if serving with sugar)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Grate the potatoes and onion using the small holes on a box grater or quickly with a food processor. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Let the grated mixture sit for a few minutes, then gently press it against the side of the bowl with a spoon or your hands to drain any excess liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: To the drained mixture, add the egg, flour, salt, and black pepper if using. Stir well until the batter is cohesive but not too runny. Add more flour if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot enough so that the batter sizzles on contact.
- Cook the Pancakes: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter into the skillet per pancake and flatten it to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove cooked pancakes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a sprinkle of salt, or with sugar and sour cream for a traditional Polish flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer to serve the pancakes with sugar and sour cream, reduce salt and omit black pepper in the batter.
- Russet potatoes are ideal as they are starchy and help bind the pancakes well.
- Use a generous amount of oil to ensure even frying and crispiness.
- To keep pancakes warm while frying batches, place them in a warm oven set to a low temperature.
- These pancakes are best eaten immediately for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Polish
Keywords: Polish potato pancakes, Placki Ziemniaczane, potato pancakes, savory pancakes, traditional Polish recipe, fried potato cakes
