Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes, the ultimate comfort food that’s both crispy and tender, brimming with familiar flavors. These golden potato pancakes truly shine thanks to the magic blend of humble potatoes, sweet onion, and a touch of sour cream, coming together to create a dish that’s universally adored around kitchen tables in Ukraine and beyond. Whether you’re after a cozy breakfast or a rustic supper, Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes deliver a taste of tradition and plenty of happy tummies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes is their simplicity: just a handful of basic pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing flavor, binding power, irresistible texture, or that perfect golden color that makes these pancakes impossible to resist.

• Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes for the best texture; their natural fluffiness creates a wonderful creamy middle while crisping beautifully on the outside.
• Onion: Grated onion adds mild sweetness, moisture, and helps prevent the potatoes from browning too quickly.
• Egg: This little binder ensures the pancakes hold together during frying and gives a lovely golden hue.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to bring everything together without becoming heavy—keep the pancakes light and crisp.
• Sour cream: A spoonful in the batter lends richness and a gentle tang, plus you’ll want extra for serving, trust me!
• Salt: Essential for bringing out those deep, earthy potato flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked if you have it, for a little warmth and zip.
• Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil that handles high heat, ensuring your Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes are perfectly crispy without any oily aftertaste.

How to Make Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by peeling your potatoes and onion. Grab your trusty star-shaped grater and grate both—mixing the onion with the potatoes right away helps keep the potatoes from turning brown and adds fantastic flavor. Working quickly at this stage helps lock in freshness and color.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Combine the grated potatoes and onion in a large bowl. Add the flour, egg, and that signature tablespoon of sour cream. Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed, slightly loose batter. Season with salt and pepper. The batter should be easy to spoon—if it seems too thick, just add a touch more sour cream.

Step 3: Fry the Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Pour a generous layer of cooking oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high. When the oil is hot, drop in heaping tablespoons of batter, gently flattening each to form little pancakes. Fry until the edges turn deep golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, then flip and cook the other side to the same perfect crisp. Cook in batches and don’t crowd the pan—that’s how you get that irresistible crunch!

Step 4: Keep Them Crispy

As you finish each batch, transfer the Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels. If you’re making a big batch, keep them warm in a low oven while you fry up the rest. This ensures every pancake makes it to the table as crisp and delicious as the first.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

These incredible pancakes are best enjoyed hot, right out of the skillet. Dollop them generously with sour cream, or experiment with your favorite toppings. Trust me, the first bite is simply delicious—it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time.

How to Serve Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Garnishes

Classic Deruny shine with a mound of cool, tangy sour cream, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a pop of color and bright flavor, while a sprinkle of chives gives a mild oniony touch. For an extra treat, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a spoonful of applesauce for subtle sweetness.

Side Dishes

Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes are fantastically versatile. Serve them alongside borscht, a simple green salad, or even roast chicken. They’re also perfect as an appetizer for a Ukrainian-inspired feast, or as the main event with pickled vegetables and rye bread on the side—a meal that’s hearty and unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with plating: stack them high for a dramatic presentation, make tiny bite-sized versions for parties, or serve them “family-style” on a big platter with a variety of toppings for dipping. A colorful array of garnishes makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing, to keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a quick treat, just grab a few and you’re moments away from a speedy meal.

Reheating

To bring back their signature crispiness, reheat Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or pop them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. Skip the microwave unless you’re in a hurry—the oven or skillet makes sure every bite stays satisfyingly crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use a food processor instead of a grater?

Absolutely! A food processor with a grating attachment makes prep a breeze. Just aim for a fine or medium grate to keep the texture authentic and the pancakes light.

What type of potatoes work best for Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes?

Starchy potatoes, such as Russets or Yukon Golds, are ideal—they break down well, making the pancakes creamy inside while keeping the edges beautifully crispy.

Can I make Deruny gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or even potato starch for a similar texture and flavor. Just keep an eye on the consistency of your batter.

Do I need to squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes?

If your potatoes seem particularly watery, you can gently squeeze out some liquid before mixing the batter. The onion mixed in helps balance moisture, but a quick squeeze ensures your pancakes stay crisp.

Are Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes only for breakfast?

Not at all! These pancakes are wonderful any time of day—from a savory breakfast to a comforting supper or even as a tasty appetizer for gatherings. Their versatility is one of the reasons they’re so beloved.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of freshly made Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes, warm from the pan and brimming with tradition. Give this recipe a try, and bring a bit of Ukrainian warmth and flavor to your own home—you just might create a new favorite memory around your table.

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