Crispy Potato Draniki (Belarusian Potato Pancakes)

Classic Belarusian draniki are simple, rustic potato pancakes made from grated potatoes and onions, then fried until crisp and golden. В этом рецепте мы подаём их более современно: с дайконом, ростками гороха, греческим йогуртом и мягким яйцом-пашот.

Ingredients

For the draniki

• 3–4 medium potatoes
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying

For serving

• Daikon, thinly sliced
• Pea shoots
• Greek yogurt
• 1 poached egg
• Green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables

Peel the potatoes and onion. Grate everything on a medium grater. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing moisture is the key step — it ensures that the draniki turn out golden and crisp instead of soft.

2. Make the batter

Add the egg, salt, and black pepper to the grated potatoes. Mix until the mass becomes uniform.
If the mixture looks too wet, add a spoon of flour or a small amount of starch, but ideally, well-drained potatoes should not need it.

3. Fry the draniki

Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Place small spoonfuls of the potato mixture onto the pan and gently flatten them.
Fry for several minutes on each side until the surface becomes deep golden and the edges turn crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to remove excess oil.

4. Prepare the poached egg

Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar. Crack the egg into a cup and carefully slide it into the water.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the white is set but the yolk remains soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.

5. Assemble the dish

Place a stack of hot draniki on a plate.
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side. Arrange thin slices of daikon and a handful of pea shoots. Place the poached egg on top of the draniki and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

Draniki are best served immediately while the edges remain crisp. The contrast of hot potato pancakes with cool yogurt, fresh vegetables, and a warm, soft poached egg creates a balanced and satisfying breakfast or light lunch.