Best Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe – Easy and Delicious on 30 minute

Best Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe

Crispy potato pancakes, often referred to as latkes or hash browns, are a beloved comfort food enjoyed around the world. They are simple yet flavorful, combining the humble potato with a few basic ingredients to create a golden, crunchy treat. These pancakes are perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack, offering a satisfying texture and taste with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or a casual brunch, potato pancakes are a versatile dish that never disappoints.

Instructions:

Grate the Potatoes and Onion

1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using a large-holed grater. You can also grate the onion (if using) along with the potatoes.
2. After grating, place the grated potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help the pancakes crisp up nicely.

Mix the Batter

1. Transfer the drained potatoes and onion into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but not too wet.

Heat the Oil

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

Fry the Potato Pancakes

1. Take a small handful of the potato mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and form it into a patty. Flatten it slightly with your hands.
2. Place the pancake in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the pancakes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Garnish and Serve

1. Serve the pancakes warm, with a dollop of sour cream on top.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions.

Additional Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for potato pancakes because of their high starch content, which helps the pancakes stay together and achieve a crispy exterior.
• Removing Moisture: The key to getting crispy pancakes is to squeeze out as much moisture from the potatoes as possible. If you skip this step, your pancakes might turn out soggy. Using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth works best to wring out the liquid.
• Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the pancakes. Frying in smaller batches ensures they cook evenly and become crispier. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in softer pancakes.
• Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the rest.
• Add a Twist: For extra flavor, you can mix in grated vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato, or carrots, or add spices like paprika or cumin to the potato mixture.
• Serving Ideas: Aside from sour cream, you can serve these pancakes with applesauce for a sweet contrast, or pair them with smoked salmon for a more gourmet presentation.

Conclusion:

Crispy potato pancakes are a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients with a satisfying crunch. With just a few key tips—like ensuring you remove excess moisture and frying in batches—you’ll have perfectly golden, crispy pancakes every time. Whether served with sour cream, applesauce, or alongside your favorite main course, these potato pancakes are sure to become a favorite at any meal. Enjoy them hot and fresh for the ultimate taste experience!

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