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Swamp Potatoes

Crispy potato pancakes made from shredded russet potatoes, onion, and simple seasonings, pan-fried until golden for the ultimate comfort-food side dish or breakfast staple.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 lb russet potatoes shredded (about 5 medium potatoes)
  • 1 large yellow onion shredded
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

  • Box grater or food processor with shredding blade
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • 12-inch skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Slotted spatula or turner
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
  2. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible.
  3. Grate the onion and add it to the drained potatoes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, onion, and beaten eggs; stir until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the mixture and fold gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the oil shimmers.
  7. Scoop roughly 1/4 cup of mixture, form into a 3-inch wide patty, and carefully slide it into the hot oil; repeat, cooking 3–4 patties at a time without crowding.
  8. Fry each patty for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
  9. Serve the swamp potatoes immediately while hot and crispy with desired toppings such as sour cream or applesauce.

Notes

For best results, squeeze the potatoes thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture, and avoid flipping the patties until a solid crust forms.