Circassian Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

In the adaptation from Slovak cuisine to Circassian cuisine, we have incorporated Circassian flavors and spices into the traditional potato pancakes. The original recipe has been enhanced with the addition of cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill, which are commonly used in Circassian cuisine. These additions give the pancakes a distinct Circassian twist, elevating the flavors and creating a unique culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Zemiakové placky, so you can check it out.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (800g) 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated (800g)
• 1 small onion, grated 1 small onion, grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (20g) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (20g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 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, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, parsley, and dill. 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 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 Circassian Potato Pancakes hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to achieve crispy pancakes.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh parsley and dill for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the potato mixture.
• Serve the pancakes with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin and coriander in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Circassian Potato Pancakes as a side dish alongside a main course, or enjoy them as a light meal on their own. They pair well with a fresh salad or a side of pickles.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Circassian Potato Pancakes on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs. Serve them warm to showcase their crispy texture.