Dad’s Famous Crispy Potato Cakes with Savory Toppings

Norm’s Potato Cakes: A Timeless Classic

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Potato cakes were a beloved specialty of my dad, who made them with care for our Saturday lunches. This cherished recipe continues to be a staple in my kitchen, delivering comfort and nostalgia in every bite. These crispy, golden potato cakes are simple yet satisfying and can be dressed up with a variety of toppings for a delightful meal. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with a crisp green salad for a refreshing supper, Norm’s Potato Cakes are sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup plain flour
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Start by peeling and grating the potatoes and onion. You can use the grating blade of a food processor for convenience, but grating by hand works just as well. Once grated, place the potatoes and onion into a small mixing bowl.

2. Mix Ingredients: Stir in the egg and plain flour. If the batter seems too runny, add a bit more flour. Conversely, if the batter is too dry, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. Season the mixture generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt. You may also add optional ingredients like dried herbs, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper at this stage for added flavor.

3. Prepare the Frypan: In a medium frypan, melt together the olive oil, butter, and margarine over medium heat until the mixture starts to sizzle.

4. Cook the Potato Cakes:

   • Dad’s Method: Spoon dollops of batter into the hot pan to form circles about 8-10 cm (4 inches) in diameter. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden brown. It’s best to cook in batches of 2 or 3 cakes to avoid overcrowding the pan. Keep the cooked cakes warm on a plate in an oven set to a low temperature.

   • My Method: Alternatively, you can pour all of the batter into the pan and flatten it out evenly with the back of a spoon to cover the entire surface. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side. Then, carefully invert a dinner plate over the top of the pan, flip the potato cake onto the plate, and slide it back into the pan to cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Once both sides are golden and crispy, transfer the potato cake to a plate and cut it into wedges.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Top the hot potato cakes with a dollop of your favorite condiment, such as mayonnaise (we recommend the nutty flavor of soy mayonnaise), sour cream, or ranch dressing. A sprinkling of chopped chives, finely sliced green onions, or a generous shake of paprika will add a lovely finishing touch.

Serving Suggestion: Pair these potato cakes with a crisp green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal, perfect for a light lunch or a cozy supper.

Enjoy the simple yet irresistible taste of Norm’s Potato Cakes, and feel free to experiment with different toppings to make this classic dish uniquely your own. 🍽️🥔🧅