Verhuny - Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 1 small onion, grated 1 small onion, grated
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

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, 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. Gently place it in the hot oil and flatten it with a spatula.
5. 5.
   Cook the pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Verhuny 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.
• Onion — Grating the onion helps distribute its flavor evenly throughout the pancakes.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs to the potato mixture.
• To make the pancakes even crispier, press them gently with a spatula while frying.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can rinse the grated onion under cold water before adding it to the potato mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as smoked salmon, sour cream with chives, or even a dollop of caviar for a luxurious twist.
• Leftover Verhuny can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve Verhuny hot as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Don't forget to provide sour cream or applesauce on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Verhuny on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top for an appetizing presentation.