Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

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By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 15, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023

Are you looking for a dessert recipe? Then try out the Hungarian potato pancakes. This easy and delicious recipe uses simple ingredients like flavorful ingredients to make a scrumptious pancake with a crispy edge. These pancakes are great for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

So, are you interested to learn how to make Hungarian potato pancakes? Read on to find out the recipe and cooking tips.

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (1)

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What Are Hungarian Potato Pancakes?

Hungarian potato pancakes are a traditional pancake-like dish that is made from potatoes, eggs, oil, salt, and flour. These pancakes have a slightly crispy edge with a fluffy inside. They can be served as breakfast or dessert with any topping of your choice like sour cream, applesauce, or jam.

Where Did I First Try Hungarian potato pancakes?

I still remember the first time I ever had Hungarian potato pancakes. It was at a restaurant we visited while on vacation in Budapest, Hungary. As soon as I saw the menu and read about this traditional pancake-like dish, I knew that I had to try it.

The pancakes were made with simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, oil, salt, and flour, which made it an easy dish to prepare. I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients that would create such an interesting texture and flavor profile.

When the pancakes arrived at our table, they were served with a side of sour cream and applesauce. The applesauce provided a subtle sweetness that balanced out the savory flavors of the potatoes and eggs. The sour cream added a creamy texture that I found to be absolutely perfect.

I took my first bite and was in awe of the wonderful flavors and textures that this dish had to offer. The pancakes had a slightly crispy edge with a fluffy inside which made them incredibly enjoyable to eat. Every single one was cooked perfectly, making them so delicious that it was hard to stop eating.

Needless to say, I was an instant fan of Hungarian potato pancakes and have been making them ever since. At first, it took me some time to figure out the perfect ratio of ingredients to get just the right consistency for the pancakes, but now it’s a breeze.

It’s a simple recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert with any topping of your choice. Every time I make it for a gathering of family and friends, it’s always a hit. This recipe is definitely worth trying out.

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Ingredients

  • Potatoes: Of course, this recipe is about potatoes. Make sure to use medium potatoes for this recipe as they are easier to grate and will hold their shape better during cooking.
  • Eggs: The eggs in this recipe help the pancakes to hold together once cooked and provide an additional hint of flavor.
  • Salt: Salt is necessary for proper seasoning and can be adjusted according to personal preference.
  • Oil: This ingredient helps to prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan and adds a nice flavor.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is used in this recipe as it gives the pancakes extra structure and helps them stay together better when cooking.
Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2)

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Peel potatoes and grate them. Make sure not to get any of the skins in your mix as these can make your pancakes taste bitter. Place grated potatoes in a medium bowl and add eggs, salt, oil, and flour. Mix together all ingredients until all lumps are gone.

Step 2

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, spoon about 2 tablespoons of potato mixture into the pan for each pancake.

Flatten them slightly with a spoon so they’re in an even layer.

Step 3

Fry pancakes for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Flip pancakes over and cook for another 3 minutes or until golden on both sides. Place pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

Serve with your favorite topping like sour cream, applesauce, or jam.

Cooking Tips

  • Make sure not to get any of the skins in your mix as these can make your pancakes taste bitter.
  • Before adding the pancakes, make sure that the pan is hot before adding oil. This will help ensure that the pancakes don’t stick to the pan.
  • Once all of the ingredients are mixed together, do not forget to flatten the pancakes slightly with a spoon so that they’re in an even layer.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have any all-purpose flour on hand, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour, breadcrumbs, or oat flour. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds to make a vegan version. Additionally, instead of using oil for frying, you can use butter, ghee or olive oil.

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (3)

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe

Are you looking for a dessert recipe? Then try out the Hungarian potato pancakes. This easy and delicious recipe uses simple ingredients like flavorful ingredients to make a scrumptious pancake with a crispy edge. These pancakes are great for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

So, are you interested to learn how to make Hungarian potato pancakes? Read on to find out the recipe and cooking tips.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Author: Dr. Leah Alexander

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Rest Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 21 people

Calories: 109kcal

Equipment

  • 1 shredder

  • 1 frying pan

  • spoon

  • 1 Blender

  • 1 medium bowls

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, well beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 medium potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

  • Start by peeling your potatoes and use a grater to grate them into small pieces. Make sure that no potato skins find their way into the mix, as this could make your pancakes taste bitter. Gather the grated potatoes in a medium bowl and add in some eggs, salt, oil, and flour. Stir together all these ingredients until the mixture is completely blended and smooth.

  • Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and coat the bottom of the pan with oil. Take 2 tablespoons of your potato mix in each hand, spoon them into the hot pan, then flatten them out evenly with a spoon.

  • Allow pancakes to fry for around 3 minutes on one side and then flip them over for another 3 minutes or until both sides are golden brown. Place your finished pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and serve them with your favorite topping, such as sour cream, applesauce, or jam.

Notes

  • Make sure not to get any of the skins in your mix as these can make your pancakes taste bitter.
  • Before adding the pancakes, make sure that the pan is hot before adding oil. This will help ensure that the pancakes don’t stick to the pan.
  • Once all of the ingredients are mixed together, do not forget to flatten the pancakes slightly with a spoon so that they’re in an even layer.

Keyword: Hungarian potato pancakes, Hungarian potato pancakes recipe

Nutrition Information

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (4)

How to Store Leftover Hungarian potato pancakes?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. You can reheat the pancakes in a pan or microwave before serving again.

FAQs

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Hungarian potato pancakes as long as they are cooked properly and all ingredients used are safe for consumption. It is best to check with a doctor before eating any food while pregnant.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, make sure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free before using them in the recipe.

What can I serve with Hungarian potato pancakes?

Hungarian potato pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with any toppings of your choice such as sour cream, applesauce, or jam. Plus, they can be served as a side dish to any main course.

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make Hungarian potato pancakes. This traditional dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with any topping of your choice.

It’s easy to make and tastes delicious. Moreover, you can also make it vegan and gluten-free. So, get creative and have fun experimenting with this recipe. I hope that now you’re feeling inspired to try making Hungarian potato pancakes in your own kitchen.

With a few simple ingredients, you can create this delicious dish in no time. Please share the recipe with all your friends and fa mily and let them enjoy this amazing dish too.

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Author Profile

Dr. Leah Alexander

Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

FAQs

Why do my potato pancakes fall apart? ›

If the potato pancakes are falling apart while you're shaping them before you start cooking, they are either either too wet or they need more flour to hold them together. You can also mix the flour a little more the mix to develop gluten and then let it rest before cooking.

Why are my potato pancakes gummy? ›

Get That Moisture Out.

Using a kitchen towel or paper towel, wring out as much moisture as possible. If you don't drain the moisture, they won't crisp as easily and that may be why your potato pancakes are gummy.

What is the difference between potato cakes and potato pancakes? ›

The potato pancake is much simpler, with nothing but raw grated potatoes, egg, and all-purpose flour. The latke, on the other hand, adds baking powder, matzo meal, and even a splash of milk, according to Cooktoria.

What ingredient keeps pancakes from falling apart? ›

Gluten, which is found in flour, keeps pancakes from falling apart. Gluten, a type of protein, forms a “spiderweb” within baked goods, giving them structure. As the starches gelatinize, and turn from a batter to bread, the gluten strands hold them in place.

Why do Jews eat potato pancakes? ›

During the Jewish holiday, eating crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes represents perseverance, and a little bit of magic. But miraculously it lasted eight days. Centuries after the fact, Jews were told to celebrate by eating foods cooked in oil.

What's the best potato to use for potato pancakes? ›

Russet potatoes work best in this recipe because they have a high starch content, which helps to bind the pancakes together. I do not recommend substituting with red or yellow potatoes. Remove the moisture from the potatoes and onions by draining for a few minutes in a colander after grating.

How do you keep potato pancake batter from turning brown? ›

What can I do to keep the potato batter from turning brown? A: When shredding the potatoes be sure to add some acidity (such as a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or concentrated lemon juice to the water. This is one dish where doing the prep work the night before can ruin the meal.

Why are my potato pancakes grey? ›

After peeled or grated potatoes are exposed to air they will begin to turn gray or brown. This appearance can be off-putting, but the good news is that the quality of the potato isn't compromised. This is a harmless natural reaction and it is perfectly fine to cook and eat potatoes even if they have turned gray.

How do you reheat potato pancakes so they are crispy? ›

– Always serve latkes hot and fresh if possible.

When ready to reheat, place in a 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes (7 if using a convection oven) until heated through just prior to serving. A convection oven setting will produce a more crispy result.

How long should a pancake cook? ›

Keeping the skillet at medium heat, ladle about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet, to make a pancake. Make 1 or 2 more pancakes, taking care to keep them evenly spaced apart. Cook, until bubbles break the surface of the pancakes, and the undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes.

Are potato pancakes supposed to be mushy? ›

Great potato pancakes are supposed to be crisp and fried rather than dense and soggy. In turn, adding too much batter to your latkes will cause them to remain raw in the center while browning too much on the outside.

What culture eats potato pancakes? ›

It is the national dish of Belarus, Ukraine and Slovakia. In Germany, potato pancakes are eaten either salty (as a side dish) or sweet with apple sauce, or blueberries, sugar and cinnamon; they are a very common menu item during outdoor markets and festivals in colder seasons.

What country invented potato pancakes? ›

Potato latkes are a more recent Ashkenazi invention that gained popularity in Eastern Europe during the mid 1800? s. A series of crop failures in Poland and the Ukraine led to mass planting of potatoes, which were easy and cheap to grow. But before potatoes came on the scene, the latke of choice was cheese.

What are potato cakes called in America? ›

In some states it's known as a 'potato scallop', in others it's a 'potato cake', and for years the debate has been bantered back and forward between protagonists. “It might be a 'scallop' of potato but let's not confuse it with a serve of scallops!

How do you make potatoes not fall apart? ›

Drainage: If you don't drain the potatoes thoroughly after boiling, they can become mushy and fall apart. Make sure to drain them well and shake the pot to remove any excess water. Type of potato: Different types of potatoes have different levels of starch and can behave differently when boiled.

Why did my latkes fall apart? ›

Your Latkes Fall Apart

There's not enough starch binding the latkes. Luckily, the fix for both of these problems is the same: add some more starch — ideally in the form of matzo meal — which will soak up that extra moisture and bind the ingredients together more tightly.

How do you keep potatoes from falling apart? ›

To further prevent potatoes from falling apart, try using waxy potato varieties like red potatoes or Yukon Gold. These types tend to hold their shape better when boiled. Additionally, avoiding overcooking and handling them gently when straining will help maintain their integrity.

How do you cook potatoes so they don't fall apart? ›

Most often, then, the solution to evenly cooked potatoes is cooking them twice: First, boil, steam, or steam-roast (a fancy term for cooking them with water in the oven) until they're mostly tender but not fall-apart finished. Second, brown the outsides and finish cooking the interiors on the stovetop or in the oven.

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