Bryjka - Belarusian Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 600g) 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 600g)
• 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
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 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, onion, garlic, flour, salt, and black pepper. 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 small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a flat pancake, about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the potato pancakes in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the pancakes from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Bryjka 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.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely for even distribution of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the potato mixture.
• Serve the Bryjka immediately after frying to enjoy the best texture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet twist.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the grated onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the potato mixture.
• Leftover Bryjka can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Bryjka hot, straight from the skillet, to fully appreciate their crispy texture. Accompany them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce for a traditional Belarusian experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Bryjka on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, to add a pop of color. Serve them alongside a small bowl of sour cream or applesauce for dipping.