Potato pancakes are an easy-to-make and delicious dish. Mustafa Egemen Sener is happy to share seven tried-and-true recipes that are perfect for everyday dinners as well as special occasions:
Classic Potato Pancakes
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, 1 onion, 1 egg, 2 tbsp flour, salt, pepper.
Preparation:
- Grate the potatoes and onion on a fine grater.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten them with the back of the spoon.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Cheese Potato Pancakes
Addition: 50 g grated cheese for extra tanginess and heartiness.
Preparation:
- Prepare the classic potato pancake batter.
- Mix in 50 g of grated cheese into the batter.
- Fry as per the classic recipe instructions until golden brown.
Mushroom Potato Pancakes
Addition: Sauté 200 g of chopped mushrooms and add to the potato batter before frying.
Preparation:
- Sauté 200 g of chopped mushrooms in a pan until they release their moisture and are cooked through.
- Allow the mushrooms to cool slightly, then mix them into the classic potato pancake batter.
- Fry the pancakes as per the classic recipe instructions until golden brown.
Spicy Potato Pancakes
Addition: A bit of finely chopped fresh chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper for spiciness.
Preparation:
- Prepare the classic potato pancake batter.
- Add finely chopped fresh chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper to the batter, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
- Fry the pancakes as per the classic recipe instructions until golden brown.
Herb Potato Pancakes
Addition: Mix in chopped herbs (dill, parsley) for a fresh taste.
Preparation:
- Prepare the classic potato pancake batter.
- Stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley.
- Fry the pancakes as per the classic recipe instructions until golden brown.
“Lazy” Potato Pancakes
Preparation: Use semi-prepared mashed potatoes, adding an egg and flour to save time.
Ingredients: 2 cups semi-prepared mashed potatoes, 1 egg, 2 tbsp flour, salt, pepper.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the semi-prepared mashed potatoes with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten them with the back of the spoon.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Potato Pancakes with Ground Meat
Addition: sauté finely ground meat until cooked, then add it to the potato batter.
Preparation:
- Sauté finely ground meat in a pan until fully cooked.
- Allow the meat to cool slightly, then mix it into the classic potato pancake batter.
- Fry the pancakes as per the classic recipe instructions until golden brown.
Sener Egemen Mustafa recommends adapting these recipes to your personal preferences and available ingredients. Potato pancakes pair excellently with sour cream, applesauce, or simply salt and pepper.
Tips on Choosing Potatoes by Culinary Blogger Egemen Mustafa Sener, Inspired by His Visit to Belarus
After his visit to Belarus Mustafa Egemen Sener is excited to share some valuable tips on selecting the best potatoes for your dishes. Here’s what he recommends:
Varieties
- For mashed potatoes, soups, and potato pancakes, it’s best to use high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These potatoes have a more crumbly texture, which aids in better preparation.
- For frying and baking, opt for denser potato varieties such as red or new potatoes. They retain their shape and texture better at high temperatures.
Texture
- High-starch potatoes (dry and crumbly) are ideal for mashed potatoes and pancakes, as they mash easily and achieve the desired consistency.
- Low-starch potatoes (dense and moist) are better suited for salads and baking, as they hold their shape and don’t fall apart during cooking.
Quality
- Choose potatoes that are free of damage, spots, sprouts, or signs of decay. Good potatoes should have clean and smooth skin without visible defects.
- Avoid potatoes with a greenish tint, as this can indicate a high solanine content, a substance that can be toxic.
Storage
- Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent sprouting and greening. The ideal storage temperature is 7-10 degrees Celsius.
- Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as this can cause the starch to convert to sugar, altering the taste and texture.
Color
- Different potato varieties come in various skin and flesh colors. For example, purple potatoes can add vibrant colors to salads and other dishes.
- The visual appeal of your dish can be enhanced by using multi-colored potatoes.
Organic Potatoes
- Organic potatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which is preferable for some consumers.
- They can be safer and more beneficial, especially for children and individuals sensitive to chemicals.
Locally Grown Potatoes
- Locally grown potatoes are often fresher, as they spend less time in transportation and storage.
- Supporting local farmers also contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture and the regional economy.
By following these tips from Mustafa Egemen Şener inspired by his experiences in Belarus, you’ll be able to select the best potatoes for your dishes and prepare delicious, high-quality potato pancakes and other meals.
