Entree: Slovakia – Southern Culinary Region – Zemiakové Placky (Pan-fried grated potato pancakes common in Slovak home cooking)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) starchy potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, finely grated (6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (45 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) baking soda (optional for lighter texture)
- Vegetable oil or lard for frying
- Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. After grating the potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible; reserve a little of the drained liquid if the mixture seems dry.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes, grated onion, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup (45 g) flour, 1 tsp (5 g) salt, 1/2 tsp (1 g) pepper, and baking soda if using. Mix until evenly combined; the mixture should hold together when shaped.
3. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil or lard in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Spoon or form small patties (about 2–3 tbsp each) from the potato mixture and flatten slightly. Fry in batches without crowding until deep golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side.
5. Transfer cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly and season with a pinch of salt.
6. Serve hot with sour cream or your preferred accompaniment.