Potato Cakes (Russian Draniki)

Draniki became very popular in Belarus in the 19th century. They were often eaten for breakfast as it is a very delicious and nourishing dish. Hot potato pancakes were served with fresh homemade sour cream. This is the most popular serving for Belarusian draniki. They are also good with machanka (pork stew), butter, fried salo and onions. In line with Belarusian national cooking traditions, draniki can be also stewed in ceramic pots with fried onions, carrots, mushrooms, homemade sausages and cream in a bake oven. Traditional Belarusian draniki is made of potatoes, onions, salt and oil. These ingredients are enough if you make draniki using delicious Belarusian potatoes rich in starch.

12 potatoes
1 onion
oil, for frying
kosher salt

To Serve:
sour cream
applesauce

Peel, wash and grate potatoes and the onion (the onion will help you keep grated potatoes from turning brown). Use a grater with small holes. Add salt and mix until a smooth even consistency is obtained.

Heat the frying pan with vegetable oil. Put a full Tbsp. of mixture from the bowl onto the frying pan and form a small pancake. Flip over once browned and crispy, about 2-3 minutes each side.

Serve hot with sour cream. Draniki can also be served with soused cowberries, apple and sour cream sauce, onion and sour cream sauce, machanka.