Draniki, also known as Belarusian potato pancakes, are a beloved traditional dish from Belarus. Made with simple ingredients like grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, these crispy and golden pancakes are typically served hot, accompanied by sour cream or applesauce. Draniki are a staple in Belarusian cuisine and are cherished for their comforting taste and hearty nature, making them a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.
Draniki have been a part of Belarusian culinary traditions for centuries. The dish originated as a way to use up surplus potatoes, which are a staple crop in Belarus. Over time, Draniki became a beloved dish, enjoyed by families across the country. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the rich flavor and satisfying texture, has kept this dish popular through the generations. Draniki is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Sour cream or applesauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Squeeze out any excess water from the grated potatoes to ensure the pancakes turn out crispy. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl.
2. Add Onion and Eggs: Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the grated potatoes. Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix well with a fork.
3. Incorporate Flour and Seasoning: Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Fry the Pancakes: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Scoop a small amount of the potato mixture using a spoon and place it in the frying pan. Flatten the mixture with the back of the spoon to form a pancake shape.
5. Cook Until Golden: Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the Draniki hot, with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top. Enjoy them as a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Tips:
- For Crispier Pancakes: Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the grated potatoes before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Flavor Variations: You can add grated carrots or chopped fresh herbs to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Draniki can also be made in smaller, bite-sized portions, perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer.
Nutrition Value:
1. Potatoes (4 medium-sized):
- calories: approximately 400 calories (100 calories per potato)
- carbohydrates: around 90 grams
- protein: about 10 grams
- fat: less than 1 gram
- sodium: 24 milligrams (without added salt)
- cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- vitamins: rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium
- minerals: contains iron, magnesium, and phosphorus
- nutritional benefit: potatoes are a great source of energy due to their high carbohydrate content. they also provide essential vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium, which is important for heart health.
2. Onion (1 medium):
- calories: approximately 44 calories
- carbohydrates: around 10 grams
- protein: about 1 gram
- fat: less than 0.1 gram
- sodium: 4 milligrams
- cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- vitamins: high in vitamin C and B vitamins
- minerals: contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium
- nutritional benefit: onions are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. they also support digestive health.
3. Eggs (2 large):
- calories: approximately 140 calories (70 calories per egg)
- carbohydrates: less than 1 gram
- protein: about 12 grams
- fat: around 10 grams
- sodium: 140 milligrams
- cholesterol: 372 milligrams
- vitamins: rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12
- minerals: contains iron, phosphorus, and selenium
- nutritional benefit: eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. they are also one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
4. Flour (2 tablespoons):
- calories: approximately 55 calories
- carbohydrates: around 12 grams
- protein: about 2 grams
- fat: less than 0.5 gram
- sodium: 1 milligram
- cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- vitamins: contains small amounts of B vitamins
- minerals: provides a modest amount of iron and magnesium
- nutritional benefit: flour is primarily a source of carbohydrates and provides some protein. it acts as a binding agent in recipes like Draniki, helping to hold the ingredients together.
5. Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- calories: 0 calories
- carbohydrates: 0 grams
- protein: 0 grams
- fat: 0 grams
- sodium: varies depending on the amount of salt added; typically around 400 milligrams per teaspoon
- cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- vitamins: N/A
- minerals: black pepper contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium
- nutritional benefit: salt enhances the flavor of dishes, but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content. black pepper adds flavor and contains antioxidants that may benefit digestion.
6. Oil for Frying:
- calories: approximately 120 calories per tablespoon (varies by type of oil)
- carbohydrates: 0 grams
- protein: 0 grams
- fat: around 14 grams (varies by type of oil)
- sodium: 0 milligrams
- cholesterol: 0 milligrams (varies by type of oil)
- vitamins: varies by type of oil; some oils, like olive oil, contain vitamin E
- minerals: varies by type of oil
- nutritional benefit: oil is a source of healthy fats, which are essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). the type of oil used can influence the overall healthiness of the dish; for example, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
7. Sour Cream or Applesauce (for serving):
- calories: approximately 60 calories per 2 tablespoons of sour cream; around 25 calories per 2 tablespoons of applesauce
- carbohydrates: around 1 gram in sour cream; 6 grams in applesauce
- protein: about 1 gram in sour cream; less than 0.5 gram in applesauce
- fat: around 5 grams in sour cream; 0 grams in applesauce
- sodium: 10 milligrams in sour cream; 0 milligrams in applesauce
- cholesterol: 15 milligrams in sour cream; 0 milligrams in applesauce
- vitamins: sour cream contains small amounts of vitamins A and B12; applesauce provides vitamin C
- minerals: sour cream contains calcium and phosphorus; applesauce offers some potassium
- nutritional benefit: sour cream adds richness and tangy flavor to the dish, contributing fat and protein. applesauce, on the other hand, provides a sweet, fruity contrast and is a fat-free option with vitamin C.
Each ingredient in Draniki contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the dish, making it a balanced meal that provides energy, protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
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