Polish Potato Pancakes (Placki Ziemniaczane)

These crispy and golden Polish Potato Pancakes are a traditional and comforting dish that can be served savory or sweet. Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes (starchy potatoes like Russet work best)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 large eggs
• 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or potato starch for a gluten-free option)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil (for frying, traditionally sunflower oil or lard)
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Applesauce, Chopped dill or chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Peel the potatoes and the onion. Grate the potatoes and onion using the fine side of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. If the potatoes release too much water, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a thick batter. The mixture should hold together when scooped; if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
4. Fry the Pancakes: Using a spoon or your hands, drop about 2-3 tbsp of potato mixture into the hot oil and flatten it into a round, thin pancake (about 1/4 inch thick). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
5. Remove the pancakes from the pan and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve: Serve the potato pancakes hot, with a side of sour cream, applesauce, or fresh herbs like dill or chives.

Notes

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes. Cook Time: 20-25 minutes. Total Time: 35-45 minutes. Yields: about 12-14 pancakes. Nutritional Information (per pancake): Calories: ~90-110 kcal, Protein: ~2g, Fat: ~6g, Carbohydrates: ~10g, Fiber: ~1g, Sugars: ~1g. In Poland, these pancakes are often enjoyed as a savory dish with sour cream or served sweet with applesauce.