Cabbage and Carrot Pancakes

These delightful cabbage and carrot pancakes are a traditional Eastern European dish made with fresh ingredients and simple spices. Their crispy exterior and soft interior make them a perfect snack or side dish. This recipe is particularly popular in Latvia, where it is often enjoyed during family gatherings or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1/2 fresh cabbage
1 carrot
1 egg
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
Flour (sufficient to thicken the mixture)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Fats (such as vegetable oil for frying)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or shredder. Sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
Peel the carrot and grate it coarsely. Add it to the cabbage.
In a bowl, lightly beat the egg, then add the sour cream and baking soda. Mix well until uniform.
Combine the egg mixture with the cabbage and carrot. Stir to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Begin adding flour gradually, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, yet manageable.
Season the batter with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Mix to combine the seasoning throughout the mixture.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Spoon portions of the mixture into the heated oil, forming small pancakes.
Allow the pancakes to cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Carefully flip each pancake and cook the other side until also golden brown.
Remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a preheated oven set at a low temperature if needed.
Serve the pancakes hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Enjoy your homemade cabbage and carrot pancakes!

Tips

If the batter seems too runny, add a bit more flour to achieve the desired thickness.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili powder or paprika.
Vegetarians can use plant-based sour cream and yogurt as a substitute.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond or coconut flour.
Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cool cucumber-yogurt salad.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.

Best Places

Cabbage & Carrot Delight - A cozy café renowned for its traditional Latvian cuisine. Location: Riga, Latvia.
The Green Plate - Offers a variety of healthy, plant-based meals. Location: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Slavic Bites - Known for its authentic Eastern European dishes, including pancakes. Location: Tallinn, Estonia.
Baltic Flavors - Celebrated for its innovative take on traditional foods. Location: Helsinki, Finland.
Krakow's Kitchen - A beloved spot for enjoying regional culinary traditions. Location: Krakow, Poland.
Budapest Bistro - Offers a mix of Hungarian and Latvian dishes. Location: Budapest, Hungary.
Prague Plates - Features a menu filled with rustic Eastern European options. Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
Warsaw Eats - A trendy restaurant offering modern and classic recipes. Location: Warsaw, Poland.
Balkan Bites - Offers a delightful array of regional foods, including cabbage pancakes. Location: Sofia, Bulgaria.
Nordic Nibbles - Bringing a Scandinavian twist to Eastern European favorites. Location: Copenhagen, Denmark.