Traditional Recipes
Placki ziemniaczane - Potato Pancakes
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Placki ziemniaczane - Potato Pancakes

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Is there anything more classic than potato pancakes? Potato pancakes, also known as "placki ziemniaczane" in Polish, have been enjoyed for centuries. These crispy, golden pancakes are an inseparable part of Polish cuisine and are popular both in Poland and abroad. Their simplicity in preparation, taste and versatility make potato pancakes loved by everyone. Discover the secrets of this delicious dish, learn its history and learn how to prepare it at home.

The History of "placki ziemniaczane"

The history of potato pancakes goes back far into the past. Originally from South America, potatoes were brought to Europe in the 16th century and quickly gained popularity as a food source. However, for some time potatoes were treated as a decorative plant or intended for livestock. It was only in the 18th century that their value as a component of the human diet began to be appreciated.

The first mention of potato pancakes comes from cookery publications from the 18th century. They quickly gained popularity among Polish farmers, especially in the countryside, where potatoes were readily available and a cheap alternative to other ingredients.

Today, "placki ziemniaczane" are an inseparable element of Polish cuisine, which has won the hearts of many lovers of good food. Their simplicity in preparation and incredible taste make them perfect for any occasion. Try our recipe for traditional potato pancakes or go crazy by adding your favorite ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

Preparation of potato pancakes

Preparing potato pancakes is not difficult, but it requires some precision and skill. It is best to prepare potato pancakes from old potatoes. The new ones just don't work. Here is a simple recipe for traditional potato pancakes:

Recipe informations:

timer

Preparation

15 minutes
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Total

20 minutes
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Yield

Servings 8
4 (1)

Ingredients

  • 1.2 kg Old Potatoes
  • 1 Medium Onion
  • 1 Egg
  • 60 g Wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps

1. Step

Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Then grate them on a fine-mesh grater or use a special potato grater.

2. Step

Mix grated potatoes with chopped onion in a large bowl. Let the starch sink to the bottom for a few minutes.

3. Step

From the top, collect the water that appeared on the surface of the potatoes. Add the remaining starch back to the bowl.

4. Step

Add the eggs, flour, salt and pepper to the bowl with the potatoes and onions. Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients.

5. Step

In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

6. Step

Put portions of potato dough into the hot oil, forming pancakes with about 6-8 cm. Try to keep the pancakes evenly thick.

7. Step

Fry the "placki ziemniaczane" on both sides until golden. Ensure that the oil has reached the required temperature to achieve a crispy outer layer and a soft, tender inside of the fritters.

8. Step

When the pancakes are ready, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to get rid of excess fat.

9. Step

Serve the potato pancakes hot, traditionally with heavy cream or sour cream. You can also serve them with garlic sauce, goulash, pickles or your favorite side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is it possible to freeze potato pancakes?

Yes, potato pancakes can be frozen. After frying and cooling, place them in the freezer in an airtight container. Before serving, defrost and fry in a pan.

How long can raw potato dough be stored?

Raw potato dough is best fried immediately after preparation. However, if you want to store them, we recommend that you do so as soon as possible. They can be stored in the refrigerator for about two days.

Can I use other ingredients in potato pancakes?

Of course! Potato pancakes are a very flexible dish that can be adapted to your preferences. You can add various spices, vegetables or cheeses to them. Experiment and find your favorite variant!

Are potato pancakes suitable for people on a gluten-free diet?

Traditional potato pancakes contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. For those on a gluten-free diet, however, there are alternative recipes that use gluten-free flour or other ingredients. It is worth looking for such rules and adapting them to your needs.

How to serve "placki ziemniaczane"?

Potato pancakes can be served in many ways. Traditionally they are served with sour cream. They can also be served with various sauces, goulash, and pickles. You are only limited by your imagination!