Potato pancake

Potato pancakes, known by various names such as draniki, deruny, latkes, raggmunk, or boxties, are a delectable treat crafted from grated or ground potatoes combined with ingredients like matzo meal, flour, egg, or even applesauce. These savory pancakes can be enhanced with garlic, onion, or other seasonings and are typically served with a diverse array of tasty condiments. The dish varies across European cuisines, including German, Dutch, Belarusian, Hungarian, Jewish, Latvian, Polish, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian traditions.

In Germany, potato pancakes are a staple at outdoor markets and festivals, often enjoyed with apple sauce or sweet toppings. In the UK, potato cakes are popular, featuring unique regional variations such as tattie fish in County Durham. Ireland celebrates its own version called boxty, a traditional potato pancake made with buttermilk and baking soda. Jewish latkes are a cherished Hanukkah dish, traditionally made from potatoes but sometimes incorporating other vegetables or cheeses.

In Korea, you’ll find gamja-jeon, a seasoned potato pancake served with soy sauce. Sweden boasts four distinct types of potato pancakes: raggmunkar, potatisplättar, rårakor, and potatisbullar, each prepared uniquely and often served with bacon and lingonberry jam. Polish placki ziemniaczane are typically topped with an array of sauces or cheeses and hold a special place in Polish culinary history.

Beyond Europe, potato pancakes appear in Iran as kuku sib-zamini and in the Czech Republic as bramborák. This versatile dish has traveled across the globe, becoming a comforting and popular meal in numerous cultures.