Zemaisuleisu Potato Pancakes with Savory Filling

These savory potato pancakes are a delightful and hearty dish that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. Made with simple ingredients, they're flavorful and comforting, perfect for any meal of the day. The dish combines the creamy texture of potatoes with a savory meat filling, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. The preparation process is straightforward, making it a great option for both seasoned cooks and beginners looking to try something new. The filling can be customized with various spices and vegetables, allowing you to infuse your unique touch into the dish. Served with sour cream and fresh salad on the side, these potato pancakes can easily become a family favorite. The recipe requires some time and effort but is incredibly rewarding once you take that first delicious bite. Each pancake offers a delightful contrast of textures, with a crispy outside and a tender, flavorful filling inside. Whether you're serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these potato pancakes are sure to impress your guests. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy a taste of comfort on your plate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 kg potatoes
• 4 eggs
• Approximately 150-200 g flour
• 1 tsp baking soda

Spices:

• Vegeta seasoning
• Pepper and other spices to taste

For the Filling:

• Approximately 500 g minced meat
• 1 large onion
• Small leek
• Paprika (optional)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes: Begin by boiling the potatoes with their skins on. Once they're fully cooked, place them in a cool place to cool down.
2. Prepare the Filling: While the potatoes are cooling, finely chop the onion, leek, and optional paprika. Combine these with the minced meat in a pan and cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Once cooled, peel the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl. You can use your hands or a masher, but avoid over-mashing as some texture is desirable.
4. Mix the Batter: Add the eggs, baking soda, and spices to the mashed potatoes. The batter should be thick and sticky. Gradually add 150-200 g of flour to help the dough hold together better.
5. Form the Pancakes: Dust your hands with some flour to handle the sticky dough easily. Use a spoon to scoop a generous portion of the potato mixture and form a boat shape in your palm.
6. Add the Filling: Place a small amount of the meat filling into the center of the potato boat, then carefully close the edges to seal the filling inside. Roll it gently in your hands to form a round patty.
7. Cooking the Pancakes: Heat a pan on low heat and carefully place the formed pancakes onto the pan. Cook them slowly to ensure they become golden-brown on each side, flipping them carefully to avoid breaking.
8. Repeat the Process: Continue with the rest of the potato dough and meat filling until all ingredients are used.
9. Serve and Enjoy: These delicious potato pancakes are ready to be served. Consider garnishing them with a dollop of sour cream and serving alongside scallion salad and beet salad for extra flavor.
10. Perfect for All Occasions: These pancakes are not only perfect for dinner but can be a great addition to lunch or even brunch.

Tips

• Substitution: You can substitute the minced meat with a vegetarian option like mushrooms or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Texture Control: Mash the potatoes to your preference. Some might prefer a smoother texture, while others might enjoy small chunks of potato within the pancake.
• Cooking Heat: Always cook on low heat to ensure the pancakes cook evenly without burning.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 15 g
• Fats: 5 g
• Carbs: 60 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of vegetables.
• Spice Mix: Experiment with spices such as cumin, coriander, or chili for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Addition: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese to the filling for a cheesy variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with sour cream, beet salad, or fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a fresh touch and enhance the flavors.

Best Places

1. Zephyr Café & Grill - A lovely place specializing in comfort food. Location: 45 Ocean Ave, Vancouver, Canada.
2. The Pancake Parlor - Known for creative pancake combinations. Location: 103 Perry St, Melbourne, Australia.
3. Nordic Flavors - Delivers authentic Scandinavian dishes. Location: 12 King Street, Oslo, Norway.
4. Kiev Kitchen - Offers a great variety of Eastern European cuisine. Location: 128 Main St, Kyiv, Ukraine.
5. The Baltic Bite - Famous for savory pancakes and pierogi. Location: 51 Baltic Road, Riga, Latvia.
6. The Waffle Hut - Perfect blend of sweet and savory delights. Location: 22 Abbey Park, Dublin, Ireland.
7. Little Eastern Eats - Specializes in dishes from Central and Eastern Europe. Location: 8 Mark Lane, London, UK.
8. Slavic Soul Cafe - A haven for traditional Eastern European dishes. Location: 77 Grzybowska St, Warsaw, Poland.
9. Pancake House Delight - Enjoy a mix of traditional and fusion pancakes. Location: 10 Almond Avenue, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
10. Eastern Cravings - A must-try spot for adventurous palates. Location: 56 Maple Blvd, Toronto, Canada.