Better Than Pizza: Easy and Cheap Grated Potato Pancakes

Move over, pizza—there’s a new contender in town that’s just as delicious, easier to make, and incredibly budget-friendly. These Grated Potato Pancakes are a delightful alternative, combining the crispy goodness of potatoes with the savory flavors of sautéed vegetables and melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. The added bonus? It’s simple, affordable, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

  • Potatoes: 4, peeled and grated
  • Spring Onions: To taste, sliced
  • Bell Pepper: 1, diced
  • Carrot: 1, grated
  • Eggs: 3
  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Flour: 1 1/2 cups (200 grams)
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Cheese: To taste, grated
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing and baking

For the Sauce:

  • Parsley: To taste, chopped
  • Natural Yogurt: 1/2 cup
  • Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste

Preparation

1. Peeling and Grating

Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them using a coarse grater. Once grated, place the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them sit for 20 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which will make them crispier when baked.

2. Sautéed Goodness

While the potatoes are soaking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated carrot and sliced spring onions to the pan, sautéing them until they begin to soften, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the diced bell pepper to the pan. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 10 minutes until they are tender and aromatic. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, set the vegetables aside to cool slightly.

3. Mixing it Up

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with 1 cup of milk. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups (200 grams) of flour until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a splash of olive oil to the batter, stirring to combine. The baking powder will help give the pancakes a light and fluffy texture.

After the potatoes have soaked, drain them thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to ensuring the pancakes are crispy rather than soggy.

Fold the drained potatoes and the sautéed vegetables into the batter, mixing until everything is well combined.

4. Baking the Magic

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking tray with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Spread the potato and vegetable batter evenly across the baking tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. The layer should be about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.

Bake the batter in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the top.

Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and crispy. The edges of the pancakes should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.

5. Crispy Goodness

Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the potato pancakes to cool slightly. The pancakes should be golden, crisp on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, with the melted cheese adding an irresistible layer of flavor.

6. Sauce it Up

While the pancakes are cooling, prepare the tangy sauce. In a small bowl, mix together chopped parsley, natural yogurt, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. This sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory pancakes.

7. Serving Suggestion

Cut the baked potato pancake into squares or triangles and serve hot, with a generous drizzle of the yogurt sauce on top. Pair the pancakes with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg

These Grated Potato Pancakes are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pizza. With their crispy exterior, soft interior, and cheesy top, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The combination of hearty potatoes, savory vegetables, and the creamy sauce makes this dish a well-rounded meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the ease and comfort of this simple yet flavorful recipe!

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