Belarusian Draniki (Potato Pancakes)
This dish also has a Ukrainian version called deruny, resembles Swiss rösti, Jewish latkes, or Polish placki. However, this particular recipe was taught to me by my grandfather, who in turn learned it from a Belarusian friend. It has become very popular in my family, and we have been preparing this version for three generations now! Enjoy :)
At the bottom of the page, you will find tips for adapting the recipe to various diets
Traditionally, draniki are served with sour cream (I use 15-20% fat)
- for 4 portionsIngredients:
- 6 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 onion (red or white)
- 2 tablespoons of wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil, as needed for frying
- Poached egg (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Sour cream as a sauce
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a medium grater. Grate the onion or finely chop it and add it to the grated potatoes.
- Add eggs, flour, starch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to the potato and onion mixture. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Spoon small portions of the potato mixture into the pan, flatten them slightly, and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the pancakes hot, topped with sour cream. Optionally, serve with a poached egg or a fried egg and garnish with fresh herbs.
Adding starch helps make the draniki crispier. If desired, you can omit the flour entirely and use an equivalent amount of starch
- Dietary AdaptationsDairy-Free Diet:
For a dairy-free diet, simply omit the sour cream from this Belarusian Draniki recipe. They are delicious even without it!
Gluten-Free Diet:
Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or increase the amount of cornstarch to ensure the mixture binds well.
Vegan Diet:
Replace the eggs with a vegan binder such as flaxseed meal mixed with water, mashed bananas, or a commercial vegan egg replacer. Use vegan sour cream or omit it entirely.
