My friend and fellow potato enthusiast, Dave Langford, is in the habit of sending potato-related snippets my way. The latest to hit my inbox was this little snapshot which, needless to remark, brought a smile to my face:
It also prompted the creation of a suitably spudly breakfast dish (because I am, in matters potato, nothing if not predictable).
My Indian potato pancake, otherwise known as breakfast
Indian Potato Pancake
In texture and composition, this pancake is somewhere between a rösti and a spanish omelette, while the spices used give it a definite Indian flavour. The quantity below makes for a generous single serving, but to feed more people you could easily double or triple the quantities and use a larger pan.
You’ll need:
- 1 medium-sized potato, about 200g
- rapeseed, peanut or other vegetable oil for frying
- 0.25 tsp black mustard seeds
- 0.25 tsp cumin seeds
- pinch of nigella seeds / kalonji – (optional)
- 25g finely chopped onion
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tblsp chopped fresh coriander
You’ll also need:
- A small frying pan, around 20cm across, preferably non-stick, and a plate that’s slightly larger than the pan (for turning the pancake over).
The Steps:
- Scrub the potato very well and (leaving the skin on) grate it. Place the grated potato into a clean tea towel, twist and squeeze to remove as much water as possible.
- Place your pan over a medium heat and, when hot, add enough oil to coat the pan. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and nigella seeds. When the mustard seeds start to pop (after about a minute), add the onion and fry for about five minutes or so, until starting to soften.
- Add the chopped garlic and ginger, stir and fry for about a minute more, then add the grated potato and sprinkle with the salt. Stir and fry the potato for around 10-12 minutes, adding some more oil if the mixture seems dry.
- Now flatten the potato mixture and spread it out so that it covers the base of the pan. Mix the chopped coriander with the beaten egg and pour evenly over the potatoes. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes, until the egg and potato pancake seems set.
- Now turn the pancake, by taking a plate or flat saucepan lid, placing it on the frying pan, and inverting the pan so that the pancake ends up on the plate. Then slide it carefully back into the pan and cook on the second side for a further 3-4 minutes.
- Enjoy the pancake on its own or perhaps with some fried tomatoes, mushrooms and other breakfast fare.
The Variations:
- Of course you can vary the flavourings according to your taste: add some chilli flakes to the egg, say, or omit the spices and ginger and add thyme and parsley or whatever else takes your fancy.
The Results:
- Serves one generously.
Oooh! That looks really good! I have to make that one day :)
Hey Marion, hope you enjoy!
I am thinking I might have to add some bacon. Just because.
And maybe a bit of natural yoghurt on the side ……. This looks so good and we rarely eat potatoes for breakfast here in the house of ‘he who bakes all the time’ :0)
Of course bacon is allowed Móna, as is natural yoghurt, or whatever else you desire!
Just one word: yum!
…and another word, Caroline – thanks!
I want potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. GREG
mmm I won’t be having this for breakfast – but I might have it for dinner – yummmy. I always seem to have eggs and potatoes lying around – maybe with some dahl?
I always seem to have eggs and potatoes lying around too Lucy :) And I don’t see why you couldn’t try this with some dahl – I reckon you should go for it!
MMMMMMMMMM,…this is such an alternative & well seasoned breakfast!
A breakfst for champions!! ;)
Thanks Sophie, thought you might like it alright :)