Potato Pancakes with Ground Meat (Draniki with Ground Meat)
Source/Author: Mary
Draniki with meat — those golden, crispy potato pancakes with a savory twist! This dish is a staple in Belarusian cuisine. Typically made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, draniki becomes even more delicious when filled with ground meat. The meat mixture often includes pork or beef, seasoned with salt, and pepper, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.The greens in the minced meat are optional. You can add any other greens you like or not add them at all.
Ingredients:
| • salt | to taste |
| • ground black pepper | to taste |
| • onion | 1 medium |
| • flour | 1 tablespoon |
| • potatoes | 5 lb (2.270 kg) |
| • egg | 1 |
| • fresh parsley (optional) | 4-5 stems |
| • oil | for frying |
| • ground meat | 1 lb (450g) |
| • sour cream (optional, for serving) | to taste |
| • green onions (optional) | 5 leaves |
PREPARE GROUND MEAT:
1. Peel and finely chop 1/2 of the onion.
2. Finely chop the greens.
3. Mix the ground meat, chopped greens, salt and pepper. Cover the bowl with the ground meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
PREPARE POTATOES:
4. Peel and finely grate the potatoes and and remaining 1/2 of the onion.
5. Squeeze out excess liquid from the grated potatoes into an empty bowl. Place squeezed potatoes in a large bowl. Check the bowl with potato juice. Once the water settles, you should find starch settled at the bottom of the bowl. Carefully drain the liquid and return the starch to the shredded potatoes.
6. In a bowl, mix the grated potatoes with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
FRYING:
7. Heat oil in a pan. Put a large spoonful of the potato mixture, then spoon the ground meat onto the mixture. Lightly press the meat into the potato mixture with a spoon. Put another spoonful of the potato mixture onto the ground meat. Fry over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
8. Place the fried pancakes in an ovenproof dish.
BAKING:
9. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Bake the pancakes in the oven for 15-20 minutes. DO NOT COVER!
11. Serve hot with sour cream or fried onions and mushrooms.