The Best Polish Potato Pancake Recipe - Authentic (2024) - Life of Stacy (2024)

If you’re looking for an authentic Polish potato pancake recipe, then you have come to the right place. My husband is from Poland and his whole family still lives there so I am very blessed with lots of delicious food.

Every time we get together my mother-in-law makes a huge batch of the best Polish potato pancakes from scratch.

The last time she visited, I videoed and took notes so I could share the recipe with my kiddos and the world.

Everyone deserves to have Authentic Polish Potato pancakes at least once.

She makes them two different ways, first using a box grater and second using a food processor. I will share each method here. But I can tell you now, both are incredibly delicious. It really just comes down to personal preference.

This simple recipe is perfect as a main course or an easy side dish.

This post is all about the best Polish potato pancake recipe.

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The Best Polish Potato Pancake Recipe Using a Box Grater

Ingredients for Polish Potato Pancakes:

• 5 potatoes – We use russet potatoes
• ½ onion
• 2-3 tsp salt – or salt to taste
• 1 egg
• 6-9 tbs all-purpose flour – check consistency of potato mixture as you add
• ¾ cup vegetable oil – I use Avocado Oil

Directions for Polish Potato Pancake Recipe Using a Hand Grater

1. Use the hand grater to grate the 5 potatoes on the larger grate – you can use a cheesecloth to squeeze out the excess moisture if you need to. But we don’t typically have too much moisture in our grated potatoes.
2. Using the rough side of the box grater, grate the ½ onion

3. In a large bowl, combine shredded potato and onion
4. Add egg
5. Add salt
6. Add flour checking the consistency after each tablespoon. See video for example. If you remove the excess water, you wont need as much flour.
7. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of about ¼ inch on medium-high heat
8. Drop potato mixture into hot oil and cook on medium heat until golden brown on each side
9. Use the back of a spoon to flatten slightly
10. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil
11. Transfer to serving platter or keep warm in a 200° oven until ready to serve.
12. Our favorite toppings are; sugar, apple sauce, or ketchup

Popular toppings for potato pancakes

• Sugar
• Apple sauce
• Dollop of Sour Cream
• Ketchup
• Cottage Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese

The Best Polish Potato Pancake Recipe Using a Food Processor

Ingredients for Polish Potato Pancakes:

• 5 potatoes – We use russet potatoes
• ½ onion
• 2-3 tsp salt – or salt to taste
• 1 egg
• 6-9 tbs all-purpose flour – check the consistency of the potato mixture as you add
• ¾ cup oil of choice – I use Avocado Oil

Directions for Polish Potato Pancake Recipe Using a Food Processor

1. Using a food processor, puree the potato and onion until smooth.
2. In a large mixing bowl add potato and onion mixture
3. Add egg
4. Add Salt
5. Add Flour 1 tbs at a time until you reach desired consistency. – see video
6. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of about ¼ inch on medium-high heat
7. Drop potato mixture into hot skillet and cook on medium heat until golden brown on each side
8. Use the back of a spoon to flatten slightly
9. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil
10. Some of our favorite toppings are; sugar, apple sauce, or ketchup

Q&A

The difference between Potato Pancakes made with a Hand Grater and Food Processor

The difference between potato pancakes made with a hand grater and a food process lies mostly in the texture. While both are equally delicious, the hand-grated potato pancakes have a little more rustic look to them.

What is a Polish Potato Pancake?

Polish potato pancakes are very similar to American hash browns. They are made with shredded potatoes, onions, and a few simple ingredients and cooked until golden brown on each side.

Is there a difference between potato pancakes and latkes?

Potato pancakes and latkes are essentially the same dish. Both refer to fried pancakes made from grated or ground potatoes. The term “latkes” is typically associated with the Jewish tradition, while “potato pancakes” is a more general term used in various culinary contexts.

What country is known for potato pancakes?

The country that is commonly known for potato pancakes is Poland. Potato pancakes, known as “placki ziemniaczane” in Polish, are a popular traditional dish in Poland. They are made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and various seasonings, then fried until crispy.

How do you keep potato pancakes from falling apart?

To prevent potato pancakes from falling apart, ensure the grated potatoes are well-drained to remove excess moisture. Adding a binder like flour or egg to the mixture can also help hold the pancakes together during cooking.

Why do my potato pancakes turn black?

There are typically 3 reasons why potato pancakes turn black:

1. Oxidation – raw potatoes typically discolor when they have been exposed to the air for too long. To avoid this, try to cook the potatoes as quickly after peeling and grating them as possible.
2. Excess Moisture – Grating the potatoes can release the moisture from the potato. To avoid this issue, you may need to use a cheese cloth to strain the excess liquid from the potatoes after you grate them.
3. Oil Temperature is too high – If your oil temperature is too high, you can burn your potato pancake causing it to turn black. To avoid this, turn your heat down on your skillet.

What are the best potatoes for latkes or potato pancakes?

When making potato pancakes or latkes, you want to choose a potato with high starch content. Russet potatoes are often the potato of choice, but Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option as well.

How to Keep Polish Potato Pancakes warm Before Serving?

To keep Polish potato pancakes warm before serving, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven set to a low temperature, around 200°F (93°C). Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture and warmth until ready to serve.

How to Store Polish Potato Pancakes?

To store Polish potato pancakes, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or or air fryer for crispy potato pancakes..

What to serve with Polish Potato Pancakes?

• Polish Sausage
• Pork Goulash
• Beef Goulash

This Post was All about the Best Polish Potato Pancake Recipe

Polish potato pancakes, known as placki ziemniaczane, are a delightful addition to any Polish menu. This classic recipe brings together grated potatoes, a little flour, eggs, and seasonings, resulting in crispy and flavorful pancakes.

Whether served as a main dish or a side, these golden delights are sure to please. Don’t forget to accompany them with traditional toppings like sour cream or applesauce.

So why not give this authentic Polish potato pancake recipe a try and add a touch of Polish culinary tradition to your next meal?

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