Deruny - Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Here is another scrumptious potato recipe. Just like bread, potatoes hold a special place in Ukrainian cuisine.

"Deruny" simply means potato pancakes. Similar to hashbrowns, potatoes here are grated into very small pieces. With the help of a binding agent, they are then formed into pancakes. Deruny can be eaten on their own just as is, with a side of ketchup or mayo, or if you want to be more traditional - (vegan) sour cream.

Ready deruny can also be baked together with mushrooms in a creamy sauce, which is one of my favorite ways of eating them.

This time, however, this will only be a simple recipe, nothing fancy here.

Get yourself ready for a new way of eating potatoes and give this recipe a try!

Tips and notes:

Make sure to fry the deruny on medium-low heat so they can cook through. Otherwise, the potatoes may end up chewy inside and have a bitter aftertaste.
Make sure to add enough vegetable oil when frying to thinly cover the bottom of the frying pan.

Vegan Deruny - Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

800 grams potatoes

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon chili

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

3 tablespoons flour

neutral oil for frying

For the psyllium husk "egg":

1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder

3 tablespoons lukewarm water

Instructions

1. Make the "egg" by combining the psyllium husk powder and the water. If the "egg" is too thick and it's hard to stir it, then add more water. Set the egg aside for 15 minutes, the psyllium will absorb the water, and the "egg" will get thicker. The consistency has to resemble a raw egg.

2. Peel the potatoes and grate them as small as possible. In a large bowl combine the grated potatoes and all the spices as well as flour. Mix well. When the "egg" is ready add the egg as well. Mix again.

3. Oil a large frying pan and place it on high heat. Once the oil is hot reduce to medium-low.

4. Using a tablespoon place dollops of the potato mix into the frying pan. Cover the pan with a lid and wait a few minutes until the edges of the deruny become dark brown. Flip and fry the other side. Add more oil as needed.

5. Once the deruny are ready transfer them into a deep plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Continue until you use up all the batter.

7. Serve hot. Enjoy!