Ukrainian Potato Deruny with Grated Onion
Grated potatoes and onion fry into crisp-edged pancakes with soft centers.
Grated potatoes and onion fry into crisp-edged pancakes with soft centers. Work promptly after grating so the potatoes do not darken, and squeeze out excess liquid if the batter is very wet. A thin layer of batter cooks more evenly than a thick mound. Serve the deruny hot from the skillet with a spoonful of sour cream or applesauce alongside. Peel and finely grate potatoes and onion; squeeze off some excess liquid if very wet. Add egg, flour, salt and pepper. Stir just until combined. Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Spoon small thin patties into the pan without crowding; fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and centers tender.
Recipe card
Ukrainian Potato Deruny with Grated Onion
Equipment: Box grater, heavy skillet, spatula
Ingredients
Instructions
Grate
Peel and finely grate potatoes and onion; squeeze off some excess liquid if very wet.
Mix
Add egg, flour, salt and pepper. Stir just until combined.
Heat
Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Fry
Spoon small thin patties into the pan without crowding; fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and centers tender.
Drain
Move to a rack or paper towels and serve immediately, replenishing oil as needed.
How to tell when it is ready
Both sides golden and center cooked rather than raw.
Tips
- Grate potato and onion together to slow darkening.
- Squeeze out excess water before adding flour.
- Keep the pancakes thin for cooked centers.
- Fry in batches so oil stays hot.
Troubleshooting
- If raw inside, flatten each spoonful and lower heat slightly.
- If falling apart, drain grated potato and stir batter again.
Substitutions
- Use sunflower or another neutral frying oil.
- Use a little cornstarch instead of some flour for a crisper edge.
Variations
- Grate half the potato coarsely for extra texture.
- Add chopped dill to the finished pancakes.
Serving suggestions
- Serve hot with sour cream.
- Add a spoonful of applesauce.
- Pair with a crisp cucumber salad.
- Offer as a side to a bowl of soup.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat on a baking sheet until crisp and hot.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat on a baking sheet until crisp and hot.
Food safety
Cook egg-containing batter fully and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my deruny raw inside?
The patties are likely too thick or the pan is too hot; cook thinner portions over moderate heat.
How should I store classic ukrainian potato deruny?
Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat on a baking sheet until crisp and hot.
Serve hot with sour cream. Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat on a baking sheet until crisp and hot.
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