Belarusian Potato Fritters (Tsibriki) Recipe

Tsibriki is a traditional Belarusian snack made from grated potatoes, eggs, and flour, shaped into small balls, and deep-fried. These crispy potato fritters are a simple and flavorful dish, often served with sour cream or a dipping sauce. Tsibriki has been a popular choice in Belarus for generations, particularly in rural areas, due to its simplicity and the availability of ingredients.

Tsibriki is a traditional Belarusian dish of grated potatoes, eggs, and flour, deep-fried into crispy fritters. Enjoyed as a snack or side dish, it’s a staple in Belarusian cuisine.

Ingredients:

- 500g potatoes, peeled and grated

- 1 egg

- 2 tbsp flour

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Oil for frying

- Sour cream or dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the peeled potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.

2. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the grated potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

4. Using a tablespoon, scoop small amounts of the potato mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil.

5. Fry the Tsibriki in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.

6. Remove the Tsibriki from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7. Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

 Notes:

- For added flavor, you can mix finely chopped onions or garlic into the potato mixture.

- Experiment with different seasonings or herbs, such as dill or parsley, to customize your Tsibriki.

Nutrition Value:

1. Potatoes (500g, peeled and grated)

  - calories: approximately 385

  - carbohydrates: about 88g

  - protein: around 9g

  - fat: 0.5g

  - sodium: 25mg

  - cholesterol: 0mg

  - vitamins: rich in vitamin C, B6

  - minerals: potassium, magnesium

  - nutritional benefit: potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. They are also rich in potassium, which supports heart health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

2. Egg (1)

  - calories: about 72

  - carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - protein: 6.3g

  - fat: 4.8g

  - sodium: 71mg

  - cholesterol: 186mg

  - vitamins: vitamin A, D, B12

  - minerals: iron, phosphorus, selenium

  - nutritional benefit: eggs are a high-quality source of protein and essential amino acids. They also contain important vitamins like A and D, which support vision and bone health.

3. Flour (2 tbsp)

  - calories: approximately 57

  - carbohydrates: 12g

  - protein: 1.6g

  - fat: 0.2g

  - sodium: 0mg

  - cholesterol: 0mg

  - vitamins: small amounts of B vitamins

  - minerals: iron, calcium

  - nutritional benefit: flour adds carbohydrates, which provide energy. It also contains a small amount of protein and iron, which is important for blood health.

4. Salt and pepper (to taste)

  - calories: negligible

  - carbohydrates: negligible

  - protein: negligible

  - fat: negligible

  - sodium: varies depending on the amount used

  - cholesterol: 0mg

  - vitamins: none

  - minerals: none

  - nutritional benefit: salt contains sodium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, it should be used in moderation.

5. Oil (for frying)

  - calories: varies based on the amount absorbed; approximately 120 calories per tablespoon

  - carbohydrates: 0g

  - protein: 0g

  - fat: 14g per tablespoon

  - sodium: 0mg

  - cholesterol: 0mg

  - vitamins: depends on the type of oil, may contain vitamin E

  - minerals: none

  - nutritional benefit: oil adds fat, which is necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and providing long-lasting energy. The type of oil used can impact its nutritional benefits.

6. Sour cream or dipping sauce (optional)

  - calories: approximately 26 calories per tablespoon (for sour cream)

  - carbohydrates: 1g per tablespoon

  - protein: 0.6g per tablespoon

  - fat: 2.5g per tablespoon

  - sodium: 7mg per tablespoon

  - cholesterol: 7mg per tablespoon

  - vitamins: vitamin A, small amounts of B vitamins

  - minerals: calcium, phosphorus

  - nutritional benefit: sour cream provides a small amount of protein and fat, along with calcium. It can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, but should be used in moderation due to its fat content.