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This is a variation of my Mom’s classic draniki recipe. Draniki (also known as deruny), are unusual but tasty Russian stuffed potato pancakes made with ground potatoes.
These are stuffed and cooked with a juicy meat patty inside. It is a delicious surprise! This recipe starts with raw potatoes so the texture is nothing like the mashed potato pancakes we posted earlier.
It’s difficult to improve on this classic, but wow these are sure delicious!
Watch How to Make Stuffed Potato Pancakes – Draniki:
These are made on the star grater of a box grater. Be sure to use safety gloves for the process – these gloves (affiliate link) have saved my fingers countless times, especially with mandolin slicing. The potatoes can be diced and pureed in a food processor or blender to speed up the process and they will still be super tasty, but for the most authentic draniki texture, the box grater works best.
One of the things I love most about the Russian and Ukrainian cuisine is the use of basic, inexpensive ingredients to make foods that are truly delicious.
⬇Print-Friendly Recipe for Stuffed Potato Pancakes:
Stuffed Potato Pancakes – Draniki (VIDEO)
Draniki (aka deruny), are Russian potato pancakes made with grated potatoes. These are stuffed with a juicy meat patty – a delicious surprise!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes
Servings: 5 people (makes 16 potato pancakes
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Into a large bowl, grate all of your peeled potatoes using the star grater side of a box grater (protect your hands with safety gloves!) Use a spoon to skim off and discard any excess liquid at the top (I removed about 1/3 cup).
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In the same bowl, grate the medium onion on the same star-grater side of the box grater (no need to wash the grater). Reserve and set aside 1 Tbsp of the grated onion for your meat mixture.
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Into the potato and onion mix, add 1 large egg, 3 Tbsp flour, 1 Tbsp sour cream, 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground meat, 1/4 tsp salt, pinch of black pepper and reserved 1 Tbsp grated onion. Mix just until well combined. Divide the meat into 16 thin patties, each about 2″ wide and set aside.
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Heat a large non-stick pan* over medium heat with 2-3 Tbsp oil. Once oil is hot, add potato mixture 1 Tbsp at a time, flattening out the top with the back of your spoon. Immediately top each pancake with a meat patty and cover each one with another Tablespoon of potato mixture**. Saute 4 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and serve right away. Repeat with remaining ingredients, adding more oil as needed.
*Cut the cooking time in half by using 2 large non-stick skillets at once.
**If liquid starts to rise to the top of the potato mixture, give it a quick stir to incorporate it back into the batter. I typically stir between each batch.
314kcal Calories22g Carbs13g Protein19g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Stuffed Potato Pancakes – Draniki (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
These are tasty as is, but we love these best served with sour cream. They are a real treat any time of day!
Did you also grow up eating draniki? Have you tried stuffing them yet?
