Tócsni, also known as Hungarian potato pancakes, is a traditional dish made from grated potatoes, flour, and eggs, often flavored with garlic and other seasonings. They’re typically fried until crispy and golden. Here’s a classic recipe for freshly baked Tócsni:
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a more traditional Hungarian flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a coarse grater. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl.
- Grate or finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Remove Excess Moisture:
- Place the grated potatoes and onions in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In the bowl with the grated potatoes and onions, add the minced garlic, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.
- Fry the Tócsni:
- Once the oil is hot, spoon a portion of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten it slightly with the back of the spoon to form a pancake. You can make them as large or small as you like.
- Fry the pancakes until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the Tócsni to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Tócsni can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of toppings and sides. They are delicious served with sour cream, applesauce, or a simple garlic yogurt sauce. You can also pair them with meats, salads, or even as a side dish for soups.
Enjoy your freshly baked Tócsni!