Belarusian Krotekake

Recipe

Belarusian Krotekake

Savory Belarusian Potato Cake

Belarusian Krotekake is a traditional dish from Belarusian cuisine that showcases the versatility of potatoes. This hearty and flavorful potato cake is a staple in Belarusian households, often enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

30 minutes

50 minutes

4 servings

Easy

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Vegan (if eggs are omitted)

Eggs

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Raw food

Ingredients

In the original Norwegian Krotekake, the cake is made with a combination of potatoes and flour, giving it a slightly different texture. Additionally, the Norwegian version often includes smoked salmon or cured meats as a filling. In the Belarusian adaptation, we focus solely on the potatoes and onions, allowing their flavors to shine. We alse have the original recipe for Krotekake, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • 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, chopped onions, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. 3.
    Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  4. 4.
    Take a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a round cake, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
  5. 5.
    Carefully place the potato cake in the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. 6.
    Remove the potato cake from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
  7. 7.
    Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
  8. 8.
    Serve the Belarusian Krotekake warm as a main course or a side dish.

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.
  • Onions — Finely chop the onions to ensure they cook evenly and distribute their flavor throughout the cake.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added flavor, you can incorporate herbs such as dill or parsley into the potato mixture.
  • Serve the Belarusian Krotekake with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as paprika or garlic powder to customize the flavor of the potato cake.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the potato mixture.
  • Leftover potato cake can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Belarusian Krotekake as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the potato cake with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley. Serve it on a platter with a decorative border of lettuce leaves for an appealing visual effect.