Crispy Czech Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 600g / 1.3 lbs) 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
• 1 small onion, grated 1 small onion, grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, minced garlic, flour, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil, flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon. Repeat to form several pancakes, leaving enough space between them in the skillet.
5. 5.
   Cook the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Crispy Czech Potato Pancakes hot, accompanied by sour cream or applesauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to achieve a crispy texture.
• Onion — Grate the onion finely to ensure it blends well with the potatoes and adds flavor evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried marjoram or caraway seeds to the potato mixture.
• Serve the pancakes immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can rinse the grated onion under cold water before adding it to the mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as grated cheese, chopped herbs, or even smoked salmon for a unique twist.
• Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Czech Potato Pancakes as a main course, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or applesauce. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with grilled meats or as a delicious snack on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Czech Potato Pancakes on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve them alongside a bowl of sour cream or applesauce for dipping.