Botswana-style Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

In this Botswana-style adaptation of Lokše, we incorporate traditional Botswana spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The addition of morula powder and tshepo seeds adds an authentic Botswana taste, elevating the flavor profile of the original Slovak dish. We alse have the original recipe for Lokše, so you can check it out.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon morula powder 1 teaspoon morula powder
• 1 teaspoon tshepo seeds 1 teaspoon tshepo seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, morula powder, tshepo seeds, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture, stirring well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. 3.
   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it into a pancake shape, then carefully place it in the hot oil.
5. 5.
   Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Botswana-style Potato Pancakes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of tshepo seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help achieve a crispier texture.
• Morula powder — If you can't find morula powder, you can substitute it with ground baobab powder for a similar flavor profile.
• Tshepo seeds — If tshepo seeds are not available, you can use sesame seeds as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the potato mixture.
• Serve the Botswana-style Potato Pancakes with a dollop of sour cream or a side of spicy tomato chutney for added flavor.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the pancakes to your liking.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pancakes to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Botswana-style Potato Pancakes as a main dish accompanied by a fresh green salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Botswana-style Potato Pancakes on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of tshepo seeds and a sprig of fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.