Grandpa’s Potato Pancakes

Grandpa’s Potato Pancakes

My Grandpa was famous for his potato pancakes.  In fact, he made them for my mom the first time she went home with my dad to meet his parents.  Of course, he always made them with onions!

Cooking with Grandpa, 1982

My dad adopted his recipe and made these for my brothers, sisters and I all throughout our childhood.  He still makes them today!  I decided to make my own version…take all of the yummy parts of my Grandpa and Dad’s recipes and add my own flair (minus the onions!)!  Zucchini seemed to be just the right summer vegetable to give these a little bit of extra punch!

This beautiful variety of zucchini is an Italian Zucchini.

Potato Zucchini Pancakes

1 lb potatoes
½ pound zucchini
2 “flax eggs” – 2 T ground flax seed, 6 T water, whisked together
3 T sugar
¼ c whole wheat flour
¼ c canola oil
¼ tsp salt

Grate potatoes and zucchini.  I use my food processor and it gets the job done in just a minute!  Then place the shredded veggies into a strainer over the sink.  Place a paper towel on top and press down on top of all of the vegetables to squeeze some of the liquid out.

grated potatoes and zucchini, draining

Let the veggie mix sit for a minute while you mix up the rest of the ingredients.  Whisk “flax eggs” together in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Add flour, sugar, oil, and salt and mix to combine.  Add veggies and use a wooden spoon to gently, but thoroughly combine.

Heat your pancake pan over medium heat.  A non stick would be great, but I used a regular stainless steel frying pan because that’s what I have (ah-hem family…this would be a great Christmas present!).  Depending on the type of pan, use additional canola oil to coat to prevent sticking.  Scoop out batter in ¼ c amounts and place in pan.  Use spoon/scoop to smooth and flatten into pancake shape.  This helps to give the pancake an even cooking surface.  If its not smooth, you will get both crispy and uncooked spots!  Cook pancakes until browned, about 5 minutes per side.  Set aside until ready to serve…a slightly warmed oven would be a good place for them!

Serving ideas: A traditional potato latke can be served with applesauce and is delicious!  These are also great with a bit of fresh fruit.  I grew up with a sprinkle of sugar on top and love it this way!

Enjoy!

Perfect way to start a sunny Saturday morning