Crispy Potato Pancake (Rösti)

Crispy Potato Pancakes (Rösti) are a Swiss dish made from grated potatoes that are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while tender on the inside. These crispy potato pancakes are delicious as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture)
• 1 small onion, finely grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, helps with crispiness)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil (for frying)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Grate the Potatoes:
   • Peel the potatoes (optional, depending on your preference) and grate them using a box grater or food processor. You want long, thin strands of potato.
2. Rinse the Potatoes:
   • Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier when fried. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
3. Drain and Dry:
   • Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your Rösti will be.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine the Potatoes and Onion:
   • If using, grate the onion and add it to the potatoes. You can also use a small amount of grated garlic for extra flavor.
2. Add Flour and Egg:
   • If you’d like a bit of binding, mix in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 beaten egg. This is optional, but it will help the Rösti hold together better.
3. Season:
   • Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Rösti

1. Heat the Pan:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil and let it melt and heat up.
2. Form the Rösti:
   • Take a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty. Place it gently into the hot pan and flatten it slightly with a spatula. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to cook in batches).
3. Fry Until Crispy:
   • Fry each Rösti for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula, pressing down slightly to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Drain:
   • Once crispy, transfer the Rösti to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve your Crispy Potato Pancakes (Rösti) warm as a side dish with eggs, smoked salmon, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips:

• Extra Crispiness: For even crispier Rösti, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch along with the flour or cook the Rösti on medium-low heat, giving them more time to get crispy without burning.
• Cheese: For added flavor, grate a small amount of cheese (like Gruyère) into the potato mixture.
• Variation: Try adding cooked bacon, chives, or even spinach to the mixture for a twist on the classic Rösti.
• Oven Finish: If you prefer, after pan-frying, you can place the Rösti on a baking sheet and finish them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

This Crispy Potato Pancakes (Rösti) recipe is a simple and comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with your favorite meal. Enjoy!