Slovak potato pancakes, known as “zemiakové placky” or “zemiakové haruľky,” are a traditional Slovak dish. They are made from grated raw potatoes mixed with flour, eggs and garlic. The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper, then shaped into small, flat cakes and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside. These pancakes can be served as a main dish or a side dish, often accompanied by sour cream, sauerkraut, or a sprinkle of cheese. They are popular in Slovak cuisine and similar to potato pancakes found in other Central and Eastern European countries.
Slovak Potato Pancakes (Zemiakové Placky)
Slovak potato pancakes are a traditional Slovak dish made from grated potatoes mixed with eggs, flour and garlic.
Ingredients
- 4 Large Potatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Eggs
- 4 tbsp All-purpose Flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Grate Potatoes and Onion:
- Grate the peeled potatoes using a coarse grater.
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with minced garlic, eggs, and flour. Mix well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more flour if needed. Mixture should hold together but not be too dry.
Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Fry the Pancakes:
- Using a spoon or your hands, form small patties from the potato mixture.
- Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve the hot potato pancakes immediately, with a side of sour cream or sauerkraut if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 941mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg