Placki Ziemmiaccxane ~. Polish Potato Pancakes

Placki Ziemniaczane (Polish Potato Pancakes)

Golden, crispy and full of flavor, these traditional Polish potato pancakes make the perfect savory snack to enjoy with one of the country’s excellent crisp lagers. The pancakes can also be made slightly smaller and served as an appetizer or side for a main course.

Ingredients:

4 oz (115 g) sliced bacon, about 6 slices
4 medium-size russet potatoes, about 2 lbs (905 g) total
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely grated white onion
2 eggs
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Canola oil for frying
1/2 cup (125 mL) sour cream
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely sliced green onion

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

Place bacon on parchment-lined baking tray and bake until well-browned and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to plate or tray lined with paper towel. Allow to cool to room temperature. Crumble into small bits. Set aside.

Peel and finely grate potatoes. Transfer to double layer of cheesecloth or clean tea towel and wring out as much liquid as possible, reserving liquid. Transfer potatoes to large mixing bowl. Allow reserved liquid to sit for 2 minutes, then pour out (a layer of white potato starch should remain at bottom of bowl). Add potato starch to grated potato along with grated onion, eggs and flour. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

In a large frying pan, heat 1/4-inch (5-mm) layer of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Reduce heat to medium. Being careful not to overcrowd the pan, add 1/4-cup (60-mL) spoonfuls of potato mix to the pan and flatten with metal spatula. Fry until golden brown on first side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn pancakes over and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes more.

Reduce oven temperature to 200°F (93°C).

Transfer pancakes to tray lined with wire rack and keep warm in oven while repeating the process to cook remaining mix. Serve immediately topped with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onion and bacon bits.

Makes about 16 pancakes; serves 6 to 8