Wash the potatoes and peel them. Grate the potatoes on a large grater directly into a large bowl or into a bowl of cold water (if you're worried about discoloration). Immediately peel and grate the onion on the same grater and add it to the potatoes.
Description
Traditional Polish potato pancakes get a summer, Krakow twist: golden, crispy pancakes served with slices of grilled zucchini and fresh yogurt flavored with mint and lemon. The dish combines the dense, potato structure of the pancakes with a refreshing, tangy sauce, perfect for warm evenings by the grill or as a light lunch. Aesthetically, it presents as a layered composition on the plate — pancakes alternated with grilled zucchini, generously drizzled with yogurt and sprinkled with chives. In terms of flavor: the saltiness and earthiness of the pancakes contrast with the lightness and freshness of the yogurt, while the lemon adds juicy acidity. It can be served with a side of sour cream or fresh bread.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (14)
- Potatoes 5.3 pcs (~800 g)
- Onion 1 pcs (~150 g)
- Chicken egg 2 pcs (~120 g)
- Wheat flour 50 g
- Rapeseed oil 90 g
- Zucchini 1.6 pcs (~400 g)
- Natural yogurt 200 g
- Lemon 1.3 pcs (~100 g)
- Mint 15 g
- Garlic 1 clove (~5 g)
- 🌿 Spices
- Salt 6 g
- Black pepper 4 pinch (~2 g)
- ✨ Optional
- Chives 0.3 bunch (~30 g)
- Sour cream 100 g
💡 Click an ingredient to mark it as used
Preparation steps
Preparation of pancakes
Transfer the grated potato-onion mixture onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel and squeeze out as much liquid (potato juice) as possible over a bowl. The more thoroughly you squeeze, the crispier the pancakes will be. After squeezing, leave the mixture in the bowl.
Add the beaten egg, wheat flour, salt, and pepper to the drained mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients are combined and the mixture is firm but still slightly moist. If the mixture is too loose, add a tablespoon of flour and mix.
Grilling zucchini
Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. Cut into slices about 4-5 mm thick. Drizzle lightly with rapeseed oil on both sides and sprinkle with a little salt. Heat a grill pan or grill (medium temperature). Place the slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until clear grill marks appear and the zucchini is tender but not falling apart.
Mint-lemon yogurt
In a bowl, mix natural yogurt with finely chopped mint, garlic pressed through a garlic press, grated zest of half a lemon, and juice from half a lemon. Season with a pinch of salt and a little pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - the sauce should be fresh and slightly tangy.
Frying
Heat a wide pan (preferably non-stick) over medium heat and pour in the rapeseed oil to cover the bottom by about 2-3 mm. Scoop portions of the potato mixture (about 2 tablespoons of the mixture) and shape them into patties in the pan, flattening them with a spoon to a thickness of about 5 mm. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until the edges are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serving
On a plate, place 2-3 potato pancakes, then arrange a few slices of grilled zucchini on top. Drizzle everything with 2-3 tablespoons of mint-lemon yogurt and sprinkle with finely chopped chives. Optionally, serve a dollop of sour cream on the side for those who want it.
Fun Fact
Potato pancakes have a long history in Polish and Jewish cuisine; in Krakow, they were often served with various seasonal toppings. Grilling zucchini is a summer touch that combines tradition with a modern, light flavor.
Best for
Tips
Serve the pancakes immediately after frying to keep them crispy. You can serve additional lemon slices, fresh mint, and extra yogurt in a bowl. For variety, add pickled peppers or fresh tomatoes on the plate.
Store the pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To refresh, heat in an oven preheated to 180°C on a rack for 6-8 minutes to regain crispiness. Store the yogurt separately for up to 3 days.
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