Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes are a delightful dish that combines simplicity and flavor into a comforting treat. Originating from Ukraine, these golden-brown pancakes are made primarily from grated potatoes and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, they bring a taste of Eastern European cuisine right to your kitchen. The best part about making deruny is that you can customize them with various ingredients like onions, garlic, or herbs, making them perfect for everyone’s palate. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these pancakes promise to satisfy your cravings while being incredibly easy to prepare. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your own delicious deruny from scratch. Prepare yourself for an adventure in cooking that will have your family asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture and flavor.
- Onion: Finely grated onion adds moisture and enhances the taste; choose a sweet variety for milder flavor.
- Eggs: One or two eggs help bind the mixture together while contributing richness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour adds structure; use it sparingly to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Salt and Pepper: Season well to enhance the flavors; adjust quantities according to taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Un plat équilibré et gourmand à tester absolument !
How to Make Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Grate Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare Onion
Grate an onion finely. Combine it with the drained grated potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add beaten eggs to the potato-onion mixture along with flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined but avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Heat Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Step 5: Cook Pancakes
Spoon about a quarter-cup of the batter into the skillet for each pancake. Flatten slightly with a spatula and cook until golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip and cook until browned on both sides.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked through, transfer the pancakes onto paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Transfer to plates and enjoy hot with sour cream or applesauce for dipping!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh potatoes and onions for maximum flavor; avoid pre-packaged products if possible.
- Consistent Size: Ensure all pancakes are similar in size so they cook evenly in the skillet.
- Crispier Texture: For extra crispiness, mix cornstarch with flour instead of using only all-purpose flour.
Une recette qui se marie parfaitement avec celle-ci !
How to Serve Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes
This Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Sour Cream: The creamy texture balances the crispy pancakes, enhancing their flavor.
- Applesauce: A sweet contrast that complements the savory notes of the potato pancakes.
- Herbed Yogurt Sauce: Adds a refreshing and tangy element that elevates the dish.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can grate the potatoes and onions up to 24 hours in advance. Store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Combine all ingredients just before cooking for best results.
- Storing: Store leftover Deruny in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pancakes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat for about five minutes on each side.
Ajoutez cette recette à vos favoris !
Delicious Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe
Suggestions for Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes:
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Selecting the right type of potatoes is crucial for making delicious Deruny. Starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds, yield the best texture and flavor. Waxy potatoes may not hold together well during cooking and can result in a gummy consistency. Always opt for fresh potatoes that are firm to the touch and free from blemishes. Peeling them before grating is essential, as the skin can impart an earthy taste that might overpower the dish. For optimal results, grate the potatoes right before cooking to prevent oxidation and ensure they retain their moisture. This simple choice will enhance both the taste and texture of your Deruny significantly.
Grating Technique Matters
The way you grate your potatoes plays a vital role in achieving perfect Deruny. Use a box grater or food processor with a coarse grating attachment to create shreds that are neither too fine nor too thick. If the shreds are too fine, they will become mushy when cooked; if they are too thick, they won’t bind well together. Aim for pieces about half an inch long, which will crisp nicely on the outside while remaining tender inside. After grating, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This tip ensures that your pancake batter isn’t watery, leading to a crispy exterior when fried.
The Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning is one area where many home cooks falter when preparing Deruny. A pinch of salt is essential as it draws out moisture from the grated potatoes and enhances their natural flavor. Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate your potato pancakes to new heights. Some recipes recommend adding onion or garlic powder for an added layer of flavor, but be careful not to overpower the dish with strong spices. Taste your batter before cooking; adjust seasoning if needed to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Cooking Temperature Control
Cooking Deruny at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust we all love. Preheat your skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom generously; this helps in frying evenly without burning. If your oil isn’t hot enough, the pancakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter into it—if it sizzles immediately, you’re set to go! Cook each pancake until golden brown on both sides, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain balance between browning and cooking through.
Une explosion de saveurs en une seule recette !
FAQs:
What is Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes?
Deruny are traditional Ukrainian potato pancakes made primarily from grated potatoes mixed with eggs and flour, seasoned to taste. They are typically pan-fried until crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Often served with sour cream or applesauce, these pancakes carry a rich history in Ukrainian cuisine and represent comfort food in many households.
Can I make Deruny ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Deruny ahead of time! To do this effectively, cook them fully and then cool them down completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. This method ensures you still enjoy their delightful texture even after storage.
Are there any variations of Deruny?
Absolutely! While traditional Deruny focus on simple potato flavors, various regional adaptations include adding ingredients like grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor variety. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika or herbs like thyme for unique twists on this classic dish.
How do I store leftover Deruny?
To keep leftover Deruny fresh, allow them to cool down completely before placing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels (to absorb excess moisture). Store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage—up to three months works well! When reheating frozen pancakes, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before frying gently until crispy again.
Un plat maison qui vous fera voyager !
Conclusion for Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes:
In summary, creating perfect Deruny requires attention to detail—from choosing starchy potatoes and mastering the grating technique to ensuring proper seasoning and cooking temperature control. These tips help you avoid common mistakes that could compromise your dish’s quality and flavor. Embrace variations while keeping true to tradition by experimenting with additional ingredients and seasonings that resonate with your palate. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed alone with toppings like sour cream or applesauce, Deruny offer a delightful experience rooted in Ukrainian culinary heritage that everyone can appreciate.

Deruny – Ukrainian Potato Pancakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Deruny, the beloved Ukrainian potato pancakes, are a delicious fusion of crispy and tender textures that make for a delightful dish at any meal. Made primarily from grated starchy potatoes, these golden-brown treats can be served as a side or main course, appealing to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. The recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks yet offers the opportunity for customization with ingredients like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Enjoy them hot and crispy with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce to amplify their flavors. Mastering deruny not only introduces you to essential Ukrainian cuisine but also provides comfort food that your family will crave time and again.
Ingredients
- 4 medium starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Gold)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel and grate the potatoes; place in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Grate the onion and mix it with the drained potatoes in a bowl.
- Add the beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper; stir until just combined.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Spoon batter into the skillet, flatten slightly, and cook until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
For added crispiness, mix cornstarch with flour.
Customize by adding grated carrots or zucchini for flavor variety.
Serve with herbed yogurt sauce for an extra tangy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
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