Stuffed Potato Pancakes – Draniki

These stuffed potato pancakes, also known as Draniki, are a delicious blend of crispy, golden fried potatoes and savory ground meat, offering a hearty and comforting meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with simple ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, ground pork, and onion, this recipe is an easy and satisfying dish. Whether you use ground chicken, turkey, or pork, these stuffed potato pancakes offer a flavorful twist on traditional potato pancakes. Serve them with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect meal or appetizer. Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, these pancakes are sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled (5 to 6 medium potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, peeled
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sour cream, plus more to serve
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil (or other cooking oil)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (or ground chicken or turkey)
• 1/4 tsp salt and pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
   • Grate the peeled Yukon Gold potatoes using the coarse side of a box grater. Protect your hands with safety gloves if desired. Once grated, use a spoon to skim off and discard any excess liquid from the potatoes (approximately 1/3 cup).
   • Grate the onion using the same side of the grater and mix with the potatoes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the grated onion for the meat mixture.
   • To the potato and onion mixture, add the egg, flour, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ground meat (pork, chicken, or turkey), reserved 1 tablespoon of grated onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Divide the meat mixture into 16 small patties, about 2 inches wide, and set aside.
3. Cook the Stuffed Potato Pancakes:
   • Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
   • Once the oil is hot, drop 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
   • Top each potato mixture with a meat patty and cover with another tablespoon of the potato mixture.
   • Fry each pancake for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, adding more oil as needed.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the stuffed potato pancakes hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: These stuffed potato pancakes combine the crispy exterior of fried potatoes with a savory, juicy meat filling.
• Versatile: Perfect for any meal of the day—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Flavorful and Filling: The mix of tender potatoes and flavorful meat makes for a filling dish that’s packed with flavor.

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Tips

• Grate Potatoes in Batches: To prevent excess moisture from accumulating, grate the potatoes in batches and discard any liquid before mixing.
• Meat Variations: You can use any ground meat, but pork is traditional and provides a juicy filling. Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a leaner option.
• Oil: Use a generous amount of oil to ensure the pancakes crisp up well.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat filling with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and grated cheese for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Draniki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the potato mixture for a subtle heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

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FAQs

Can I make the potato mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze stuffed potato pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the pancakes after they’ve been cooked. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat by pan-frying from frozen or baking at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

What side dishes go well with stuffed potato pancakes?
These pancakes pair well with a fresh salad, pickles, or sour cream for a balanced meal.

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Serving Suggestions

• With Sour Cream: Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream or a creamy dipping sauce.
• Pair with a Salad: A fresh cucumber or mixed greens salad makes a great side dish.
• Serve for Breakfast or Brunch: Top with a fried egg for a hearty brunch option.

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Suggestions

• Double the Recipe: These stuffed potato pancakes are perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, so consider doubling the recipe.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Mix some fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, into the potato mixture for added flavor.