Mashed Potato Pancakes

Growing up, I always had mashed potato pancakes. I really don’t remember ever having shredded potato pancakes – latkes – as a kid. Mom does have a recipe for them in her cookbooks – she switched it out to use frozen shredded potatoes – so I’m thinking she probably made them in the ’70s after I was gone and there were less people in the house.

Mashed potato pancakes… yum. They could be fairly plain or mixed with different things – sometimes breaded, usually not. They’re one of those foods that evoke a simpler place and time. Granted, it was a simpler place in time for me because I was a kid with minimal responsibilities. It most assuredly wasn’t a simpler place in time for the adults.

But I digress…

Tonight’s pancakes came about because I had a broccoli crown I wanted to use up and potatoes that have just been sitting around. My buying habits haven’t quite caught up with our eating habits so there’s always something on the brink – and we know how much I love tossing food. Fresh produce is especially rough when I do my Gentile’s run – I need to remember that there are only so many meals in a week, and shop accordingly.

It could happen.

Mashed potato pancakes are another of those throw-together items. Mashed potatoes, a veggie, if desired, some onion, flour, egg, cheese, garlic powder, baking powder, salt & pepper. Form into patties and fry.

Potato Broccoli Pancakes

makes 6-8

  • 1 medium russet potato, cooked and riced/mashed
  • 1 small crown broccoli – cooked and chopped
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together and form into patties. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and fry until nicely browned on each side.

Keep in a warm oven until all are complete and you’re ready to serve.

A potato ricer makes quick work and adding the eggs after mixing everything else together makes for an evenly-distributed mixture.

They work great as a side, but also work really well as the base for chili, stew, or a simple fried egg.

Have fun with them!