Polish Potato Pancakes (Placki Ziemniaczane)
Description
Polish potato pancakes, known as placki ziemniaczane, are crispy, golden fritters made from grated potatoes, onions, and simple seasonings. They’re traditionally served with sour cream, applesauce, or mushroom sauce for a comforting, hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Grater or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Grate potatoes and onion
Using a box grater or food processor, grate the potatoes and onion. - Remove excess moisture
Place the grated mixture in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. - Combine ingredients
Transfer grated potatoes and onion to a bowl. Add eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a batter-like consistency. - Heat oil
Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. - Fry pancakes
Spoon small portions of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly with a spatula. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. - Drain
Remove pancakes and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. - Serve
Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or mushroom sauce if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, fry in batches without overcrowding the pan.
- Grate potatoes just before cooking to prevent browning.
- You can add garlic or herbs like parsley for additional flavor.
Variations
- Mix in shredded carrots or zucchini for a veggie twist.
- Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or smoked salmon for a more elegant version.