Plakali with a Ukrainian Twist

Ingredients

In the Ukrainian adaptation of Plakali, we incorporate traditional Ukrainian flavors such as garlic and dill. These additions enhance the taste and aroma of the dish, giving it a distinct Ukrainian twist. Additionally, the Ukrainian version may be served with sour cream or applesauce, which complements the flavors of the potato pancakes. We alse have the original recipe for Plakali, so you can check it out.

• 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
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 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, grated onion, minced garlic, flour, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
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. Gently place it in the hot oil and flatten it with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
5. 5.
   Fry the potato pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the golden potato pancakes hot with sour cream or applesauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to achieve crispy pancakes.
• Garlic — Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
• Dill — Fresh dill adds a wonderful aroma to the pancakes. If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the potato mixture.
• Serve the potato pancakes immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet twist.

Serving advice

Serve the golden potato pancakes hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy their crispy texture. Accompany them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce for a traditional Ukrainian experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden potato pancakes on a platter, garnished with fresh dill sprigs. Serve them alongside a small bowl of sour cream or applesauce for dipping. The vibrant golden color of the pancakes will make for an appetizing presentation.