Many years ago, on my first trip to Europe, my in-laws took me to a restaurant built around potatoes. Everything had potatoes. That one experience opened my eyes to what potatoes can do. And I’ve since experimented, but never as much as I wished.
Potato pancakes are such an easy workhorse. You can put almost anything sweet or savory on top of them. If you’re looking for something cheap and your family is over rice for a few days, look toward potatoes to fill the void.
Just like I did here.
Potato Pancake with Refried Beans
Budget-friendly, easy dinner!
Servings - 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded potatoes, about 2 medium potatoes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 15 oz can pinto beans, drain and rinse
- Sprouts or other salad-topping
- Garnish: paprika, lemon or lime wedges, sour cream or cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Turn the stovetop on medium-high and film an 8-inch non-stick pan with oil.
- Working quickly, shred the potatoes and squeeze the water out of the them.
- Add the potatoes to the hot pan, and stir to coat.
- Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the potatoes soften.
- Spread the potatoes evenly over the pan and press them down. Cook about 10 minutes or until the edges are brown when you gently lift the sides.
- Salt the top of the pancake generously.
- Flip the pancake over onto a dinner plate,then slide the pancake uncooked-side-down back into the pan.
- Cook another 10 minutes or until brown.
- Blend the beans in the blender.
- Flip the cooked pancake onto a serving plate. Pour beans on top.
- Add salad of choice. Garnish to taste, and enjoy.