Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

These crispy, golden-brown Ukrainian potato pancakes, also known as deruny, are a simple yet delicious dish made with grated potatoes, onions, and a touch of flour and egg. Perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper, these pancakes are fried to perfection, offering a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Deruny are best served hot with a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Ukrainian experience. This recipe is easy to follow and yields flavorful, savory pancakes that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium-sized potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 onion
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Prep the Ingredients:

1. Peel the potatoes and onion. Grate both the potatoes and the onion using a star-shaped grater. Mix them together as you go to prevent the potatoes from browning. The onion juice helps to keep the potatoes fresh and bright.
2. Add the flour, egg, and sour cream to the grated mixture. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The batter should be smooth and slightly liquid so you can easily spoon it into the skillet.

Cooking the Deruny:
3. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter into the skillet for each pancake.
4. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the pancakes carefully and cook the other side until equally golden.
5. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

Serving:
6. Serve the deruny warm with a generous dollop of sour cream on top. These crispy potato pancakes are best enjoyed right away!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deruny are crispy, flavorful Ukrainian potato pancakes that are easy to make and packed with comforting taste. The combination of potatoes and onions creates a savory base, while the addition of sour cream elevates the texture and flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes offer a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of condiments.

Tips

• Grating the potatoes: If you want extra crispiness, be sure to grate the potatoes finely. The finer the grating, the crispier the pancakes will be.
• Prevent browning: To keep the grated potatoes from turning brown before you cook them, mix them with the grated onion immediately after grating.
• Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter to the pan for the best texture. Test it by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle right away.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add-ins: Try adding garlic or herbs like dill or parsley to the batter for extra flavor.
• Flour alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Meat: For a heartier version, mix in some cooked bacon or sausage into the batter.

FAQs

Can I make deruny ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pancakes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or oven for a few minutes until crispy again.

Can I freeze deruny?
Yes, deruny can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, cook them in a skillet until golden and crispy.

Serving

Deruny are typically served as a side dish or as a main meal when paired with sour cream. They’re also great with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables. Serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a comforting meal.

Suggestions

Pair your deruny with a glass of cold kvass or a cup of warm tea. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a hearty soup like borscht or a simple cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.