Ingredients
The beauty of these pancakes lies in their simplicity. They require just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
If you’re feeling adventurous or simply out of an ingredient, consider these substitutions: use sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic, or swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to cater to dietary preferences. Growing up, we often improvised based on what we had on hand, and it always turned out delicious!
Instructions
Making these pancakes is as rewarding as eating them. Follow these steps for a foolproof experience:
- Start by peeling and grating the potatoes. To prevent them from browning, I like to place the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water as I work through them.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly, using a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that beloved crispiness.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well incorporated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of the mixture sizzles upon contact.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture per pancake into the skillet, flattening them gently with a spatula. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
As you fry, be sure to maintain a steady temperature to avoid soggy pancakes. This is a tip I picked up from my abuela, who taught me the art of patience in cooking—letting each pancake reach its perfect golden hue before flipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International