Patatnik is a traditional Bulgarian dish from the Rhodope Mountains, made primarily of potatoes, onions, and a mix of herbs and spices. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Patatnik, you will need:
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 100 grams of Bulgarian white cheese (sirene) or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried mint (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil or olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
- Peel and Grate the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them using a coarse grater. If the potatoes release a lot of water, you can squeeze out the excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with the finely chopped onion, crumbled cheese, eggs, salt, black pepper, and dried mint (if using). Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Cooking the Patatnik
- Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the sunflower oil or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Potato Mixture: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the pan, pressing it down with a spatula to form a compact layer.
- Cook the Patatnik: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Flip the Patatnik: Carefully slide the Patatnik onto a large plate. Place another plate on top and flip the plates over so the uncooked side is facing down. Slide the Patatnik back into the pan to cook the other side. Alternatively, you can cut it into sections and flip each section individually.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the second side is also golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serving
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, slide the Patatnik onto a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the Patatnik into wedges and serve hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of yogurt or fresh salad.
Tips and Variations
- Herb Variations: You can add different herbs such as dill or parsley to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Vegetable Additions: Add grated zucchini or carrots to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Patatnik is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the flavors of the Bulgarian mountains to your table. Its simple ingredients and rich taste make it a favorite for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing this traditional dish with your loved ones!