Deruny (Ukrainian Potato Pancakes)

Name: Deruny (Ukrainian Potato Pancakes)
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Ukraine
Ingredients: Potatoes, peeled — 1 kg (2 1/4 lb); Medium Onion — 1; Egg — 1; All-purpose flour — 3 tbsp; Fine salt — 1 tsp; Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp; Sunflower oil, for frying — 5 tbsp; Sour cream, to serve — 150 g (2/3 cup)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Potatoes, peeled — 1 kg (2 1/4 lb)
Medium Onion — 1
Egg — 1
All-purpose flour — 3 tbsp
Fine salt — 1 tsp
Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp
Sunflower oil, for frying — 5 tbsp
Sour cream, to serve — 150 g (2/3 cup)

Method

Grate the potatoes and onion finely on a box grater or in a food processor.
Squeeze out excess liquid from the potato mixture using a clean tea towel.
Stir in the egg, flour, salt and pepper until well combined.
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Spoon in the mixture to form pancakes about 8cm (3in) wide.
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
Drain on paper towel and serve hot with sour cream.

Introduction: Deruny are grated potato pancakes deeply tied to Ukraine's rural culinary heritage, particularly in the northern Polissia region where potatoes have long been a dietary staple.

Cultural Background: Deruny are grated potato pancakes deeply tied to Ukraine's rural culinary heritage, particularly in the northern Polissia region where potatoes have long been a dietary staple. They are traditionally served with sour cream and sometimes alongside fried mushrooms or bacon.

Tips: Squeezing out the liquid is essential for crisp, not soggy, pancakes. Fry in a single layer without crowding the pan to keep the edges crisp.

Variations: Add grated carrot for extra sweetness and colour. Serve topped with sautéed mushrooms for a heartier lunch. Vegetarian as written. No authentic vegan version; egg is traditional to the batter.

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Reheating: Reheat in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 2 minutes per side to re-crisp.

FAQs:

Q: Why are my deruny falling apart?

A: The potato mixture likely still has too much liquid; squeeze it more thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

Q: Can deruny be baked instead of fried?

A: Yes, bake at 220°C (425°F) on an oiled tray for about 12 minutes per side, though the texture will be less crisp.