Now, go back to your bowl of mashed potatoes. To that, add the flour, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Combine this mixture until it’s well integrated and forms a thick batter-like consistency. I find that getting my hands in there to mix it up can be quite satisfying. The dough should hold together well, and I often taste a small piece to check for seasoning—it’s a little perk of cooking!
Next, it’s time to assemble the pancakes. Take a handful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place about a tablespoon of the meat filling in the center and fold the potato over it, forming a nice disk. Press it slightly to flatten it out. Repeat until all the mixture is used, laying them on a tray or plate as you go. They can be made in advance if you need to, making this part super convenient.
Once all your pancakes are ready, heat your frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. I love to see the oil shimmer—it’s a sign that we’re ready! Carefully place your pancakes in the pan and let them fry for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. The sound of them sizzling in the pan is music to my ears! When they’re done, set them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I’ve learned over many culinary adventures is to keep your oil hot but not smoking. I like to drop a small piece of potato mixture in; if it starts to sizzle immediately, it’s time to add the rest. This keeps the pancakes crispy and prevents them from absorbing too much oil.
I tested different meat fillings, and I found that combining meats works wonders! A mix of beef and pork gave a rich flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. Don’t be afraid to introduce your favorites or whatever you have on hand—cooked chicken, or even some sautéed mushrooms can completely change the flavor profile.
Lastly, the key to perfecting these pancakes is to let them cool a bit before serving. I’ve rushed this step before, wanting to dig in right away, but giving them a few moments can help them set up and makes the flavors meld even better. Plus, you avoid burning your tongue on that first bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
First and foremost, avoid making your pancakes too thick! I once got too excited and ended up with heavy pancakes that took ages to cook through. A nice flat pancake cooks faster and gets that lovely crispy edge that we’re looking for. Keep them no thicker than half an inch. (See the next page below to continue…)