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Zucchini and Potato Pancakes Recipe
Have you ever eaten zucchini and potato pancakes before?
ZUPO Griddle Cakes
So, you’ve never heard of ZUPO Griddle Cakes before?
Me neither! I confess, I made it up. It's creative, don't ya think?
Oh, but don't let that fool you. I promise you that everyone I’ve ever made these pancakes for truly loves them.
How about a quick history lesson? It's pretty interesting!
Did You Know?
- Traditional potato pancakes are simply made with only grated potatoes, eggs and flour.
- Today, there are a myriad of potato pancake recipe variations. Just like my ZUPO recipe here, it includes additional ingredients such as onion and zucchini, making this dish extremely tasty and healthy too.
- A latke is a type of potato pancake eaten during Hannukah, a Jewish holiday. The tradition of eating foods fried in oil commemorates the holiday miracle when only one day’s worth of lamp oil illuminated the temple of ancient Israel for eight days.
- Potato pancakes can be made with leftover mashed potatoes instead of fresh, grated potatoes.
- When I was growing up, there were many times when money was tight. An easy and inexpensive meal for my family was potato pancakes.
- In Germany, potato pancakes are known as Reibekuchen, meaning grated cake. They are served with Apfelkompott, an apple gravy.
Check this out! There are SO many locations in the world that have a different name that essentially means "Potato Pancakes." Do you know of any others?
Location
| Name for Potato Pancake
|
|---|---|
Belarus
| Draniki
|
Czech Republic
| Bramborak
|
Germany
| Reibekuchen
|
India
| Gamjajeon
|
Israel
| Latke
|
Ireland
| Boxty
|
Lithuania
| Bulviniai Blynai
|
Luxembourg
| Gromperekichelcher
|
Poland
| Placki Ziemniaczane
|
Sweden
| Raggmunk
|
Ukraine
| Deruny
|
United States (Ohio, at the author's home)
| Potato Pancakes (or ZUPO!)
|
Using a Box Grater vs. Food Processor
I am part German, Bohemian, Polish and Ukrainian. To me, that clearly explains why I am very adamant about making my Zucchini and Potato Pancakes the old fashioned way; using a box grater. I believe the grated texture makes all the difference.
But it is okay if you decide to use a food processor, just don’t tell me.
ZUPO Griddle Cakes: Zucchini and Potato Pancake Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded zucchini (approx. 1 large)
- 3 cups shredded potatoes (approx. 3-4 large)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4-6 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional-for frying)
- 4 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional garnish)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional garnish)
ZUPO Griddle Cakes: Zucchini and Potato Pancake Instructions
You will be amazed at how simple these awesome pancakes are to make.
Zucchini, Potatoes and Onions
- Shred on a box grater 3 cups zucchini, and gently squeeze out and discard excess liquid
- Shred on a box grater 3 cups potatoes, and gently squeeze out and discard excess liquid
- Finely dice one cup onion
Eggs, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Baking Powder
- Slightly beat two large eggs
Mix dry ingredients together:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I use Kosher salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Blend All Ingredients
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
Prepare for Frying
- Pour a couple tablespoons oil into frying pan (I use Canola).
- I also add about 1 tablespoon butter.
Heat the pan or griddle.
TIP: If you use oil in your pan first, the butter will not burn. It will, however, add a great flavor.
Fry Each Side Until Golden Brown
Make sure your oil (and butter) are thoroughly heated before you begin making the pancakes. This ensures a crispy edge around the pancake.
Use a large serving spoon or measuring cup to drop approximately 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
Remove From Heat, Prepare to Serve
Please rate this recipe, 5 stars being the highest rating.
Remove from heat and serve OR you may wish to make all the pancakes up first, placing them in the oven in an oven-safe dish to keep them warm at approximately 200 degrees.
I enjoy my ZUPO Griddle Cakes with sour cream and chopped green onion. You will find additional topping suggestions below.
Approximate number of pancakes: 12-15
Approximate servings: 4
Where ZUPO Griddle Cakes Were Named
Ohio - ZUPO ~ Zucchini and Potato Pancake Topping Ideas
- Applesauce
- Syrup
- Parmesan Cheese
- Horseradish
- Yogurt
- Mayonaise
- Minced, Roasted Garlic
- Sour Cream
- Green Onions
ZUPO Recipe Variations
- Add shredded cheese
- Add finely diced ham
- If you do not have either zucchini or potatoes, you could use only one of the two main ingredients and they will still be delicious.
- Depending on how moist your batter is, you may need to add a little more flour or a few drops of water to get the proper consistency.
ZUPO Griddle Cakes
ZUPO Griddle Cakes can be made as a side dish or a main meal. Either way, I believe you will enjoy! Thanks for stopping by . . .
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Comments
- Author
Hi pstraubie! These pancakes still taste good heated up but may change in color a bit since the potatoes darken. If you can actually make them at the church, fresh & crispy, that would be best. Thanks for your feedback and the angels too!
- Author
Hi Diana ~ I really like zucchini so adding it to the pancakes, to me, makes them healthier! I've never actually made potato pancakes out of mashed potatoes. I think it's because I like the grated texture. But it is an awesome way to use up leftovers. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks for these ideas....I am always looking for something different to take for brunch at church. I am bookmarking this to use the first weekend in September.
Angels are on the way to you today ps
One of favorite things to do with leftover mashed potatoes is to make them into pancakes. Zupo with parmesan sounds really good. Next time I'll try your version.
- Author
Hi Carol ~ I hope you do try these. You'll love the combination. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Sharyn
I like this a lot ..less calories and more veggies in the mix. Going to try these for either breakfast or another meal. Going to pin this great recipe.
- Author
I apologize for getting so messed up with responding to my comments the past month or so.
Kathryn ~ Thank you for your awesome feedback. So, you've never tried potato pancakes? Well, it's a must! And the zucchini enhances the flavor and is good for you too.
RTalloni ~ tis the season for an abundance of zucchini! Although I've only picked about 3 so far. Thanks so much for your feedback.
phdast7 ~ it is a great way to work in a healthy vegetable, especially for picky eaters :)
Sugah ~ I love the idea of having these for breakfast. Heck, why not? We eat potatoes for breakfast!
Thank you all for your feedback, votes and pins. I hope you try these great pancakes!
Sharyn
It's zucchini season and I always have an abundance from my garden this time of year. I'm always on the look out for new ways to use them. This recipe sounds great! I might even give these a go for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks for sharing! Voted up and pinned.
My background is Polish and German so our family makes potato pancakes. :) But thee sound wonderful and what a great way to work in Zuchini. Can't wait to try them.
Glad to find this just in time for zucchini season this year! Neat hub all round. :) Pinning to Ways w/ Food: Fruits and Veggies board.
What a concept! I have heard of potato pancakes, although I have never tried them. But I have never heard of them with zucchini in them! I like it. My mother used to make baked goods, such as quick breads, with zucchini, and they always came out wonderfully.
I also like that you added a table containing the different names for potato pancakes, the variations, and a list of toppings to use. I definitely want to try this sometime!
Thanks for sharing this with us, and have a wonderful weekend!
~ Kathryn
- Author
Hi Mary ~ if you like potato pancakes, you will definitely enjoy zucchini added to them. Let me know if you try them. Thanks for your feedback and votes.
Sharyn
I love potato pancakes and will be using your recipe the next time I make them. I've only added onion not zucchini but have a feeling they're going to be great.
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
- Author
Hi Rodney ~ oh, you must try zucchini, it's really good and makes the pancakes less starchy then if they are made with all potatoes. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Sharyn
Great hub, although I did not use zuchini, I used a lot of chopped more onion as well as some garlic chives.
What used to at a braai I would dry bake these in oiled cast iron plate or frying pan.
Thanks for the reminding of some of the recipes similar to thosr that I used 25 odd years ago!
- Author
Hi Penelope ~ I'm so glad to hear you are bookmarking this great and easy recipe. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you for stopping by.
Sharyn
Wowee Sharyn, they look wonderful! Love your chart - this is an amazing hub, thanks so much. Can't wait to make them so I'm bookmarking and pinning so I won't love you - or the recipe (s).
- Author
Hi Donna ~ Great point. These could certainly be made later with zucchini that you have frozen. I do that too, I freeze zucchini especially for bread later. Thanks for sharing this recipe and for your votes too.
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Denise ~ Ha, you make me laugh. If you love potatoes, definitely try this with the zucchini, they are really good. I won't pay attention that you might be using your attachment on your mixer, ha. I have always hand grated mine. Seriously, the attachment will work fine as long as the texture is still grated and not mush. To me, if the batter is "mushy", it isn't the authentic "texture." Thanks for your feedback.
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Cyndi ~ Thanks for the compliments. ZUPO is a name that I made up. Not too "search friendly" but I still like it. These pancakes are very easy to make. I hope you try them. Thanks always for stopping by.
Sharyn
I love, love, love these. I freeze shredded zucchini from the garden so I can make these in the fall and winter. Yum! Voted up and sharing.
Hey. You had this Idaho girl at potatoes. I LOVE potato pancakes; I usually make them with leftover spuds. I've never heard of your zucchini variety. Guess that makes sense since you just invented it. I'll try it soon. Shhhhh....don't tell Sharyn. I'm using the shredder attachment on my stand mixer.
Voted up and pinned!
Zupo? I love it! Awesome pictures and recipe. :) I never knew about potato and zucchini cakes. Hmm...perhaps it's my southwestern background...succotash, yes. Zupo, no. I LOVE that name, though. :D
- Author
Hi 2patricias ~ I agree, there are often times I wish there were more voting button choices. Thank you for your compliments. And I am thrilled you will add this recipe to your "recipe index for hubpages" hub. Your hub is a great idea since it is so difficult to search all the many recipes on HP. Again, thank you!
Sharyn
I wish there was a "button" to click for great illustrations, because you certainly deserve a bonus point for the beautiful photos.
I like the really clear instructions too.
I have added this to my Recipe Index for Hubpages, and hope that gains you extra views.
- Author
Hi xstatic ~ THANK YOU SO MUCH for coming back to comment after you've tried the zucchini and potato pancakes recipe. I really appreciate that. I am so glad to hear they were a hit. I've also reheated them, actually in the microwave and they taste good. But re-heated in the oven is better because it will get them a little more crispy. I am thrilled you stopped by again. Thank you!
Sharyn
- Author
Hi TT ~ thanks for stopping by. They are really good and I hope you try them! Thanks for pinning and the votes too.
Sharyn
Well, my wife made them, on a Friday refrigerated them overnight, and we had about 20 people over for a little get together in the yard on Saturday. She reheated them in the oven for about ten minutes at near 400, and served them with sour cream and green onions. I had tried one fresh on Friday and they tasted just as good reheated. I did not get one of the first batch, they went so fast. A real hit!
Sharyn, these zucchini and potato pancakes look ubber yummy! I'm pinning these and voting everything!
- Author
Hello xstatic ~ You will love them. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Sharyn
Great Hub, can't wait to try them!
- Author
Hi Kelley ~ I hear so many people that have problems with their gardens this year. It really is sad. Mine is thriving I am happy to say BUT since I am home during the day, I am watering and pampering constantly. I've had several friends and family asking if I have extra zucchini this year since their plants have died. I will try to split them up with everyone. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Audra ~ Definitely, potato pancakes are a Jewish tradition yet are in so many ethnic traditions. I grew up eating them all the time as a "cheap meal" handed down from my German and Bohemian grandmother. And I do understand being "particular" about them as well. They must be crispy on the edges and not too thick or doughy, ya know? You should try these, they are good and somewhat lighter than the pancakes with only potato. Thanks for your feedback!
Sharyn
- Author
Hey Kel ~ I'm so glad you liked this and appreciated the detailed photos as well. I hope you do make them. I believe Dave and the girls will enjoy.
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Debbie ~ I am so glad you like this and do hope that you try it. Thank you for sharing this on Facebook. I really like that group that you added me too.
Sharyn
- Author
Hey Dr. BJ ~ I'm so glad you can smell the aroma and it is delicious :) I hope you try to make them because I am sure you will enjoy. Thanks for stopping by!
Sharyn
Sounds delicious. My garden didn't do well this year but I can find the ingredients I need at the local farmer's market. Voted up and 5 stars! Kelley
- Author
Hi Brenda ~ Aw, thanks, what a nice comment. Thank you so much. I believe you and your son will really like these. I hope you enjoy!
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Angela ~ I appreciate you stopping by. Do try them, they are easy and really good :)
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Marisa ~ I understand, I had about 10 zucchini already and they are all gone. Waiting for the next batch. It looks like they are all going to come at the same time again :) This recipe is SO simple and a great way to use up some zucchini. I hope you and your family enjoy these pancakes. Thanks for your feedback!
Sharyn
I grew up eating potato pancakes, a jewish trdition. Funny, my Mom makes them every Christmas eve...lol! We celebrate Jewish and non-jewish holidays!
I am very particular about potato pancakes. Howver, your recipes look soooo good! I like how you added the different names of the PC from around the world! Voted up!
- Author
Hi Laura ~ Yes, this really is a great way to get kids to eat zucchini. And seriously, if they like potatoes, they will love this. I actually think the combination is better than plain potato pancakes; more flavor. Thanks for stopping by!
Sharyn
B - U - TEA - FUL! I have had these before and they are very tasty! I am so glad that you made the visuals - it makes it so much easier to cook for me when I have photos! I know I could do this and when I get to the stirring part I will know what it SHOULD kinda look like!
Thanks! I can't wait to give them a try myself!
Sharon I love this hub.. this recipe.. I am going to try this.. I will share it on Facebook on the cooking page.
debbie
I swear, Sharon, I can smell the aroma of your delicious Zupo griddle cakes cooking in the frying pan. Thanks for this simple, delicious recipe with stunning photos.
They sound great and the combination would works. We love potatoes and zucchini. When they are fried, they can only get better. You entire presentation is beautiful, professional and interesting. I love it!
Yummy, they look good. Might have to try these!
I can't wait until my next batch of zucchinis are done growing in the garden! This looks like a simple recipe to make. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a great way to get my kids to eat vegetables. I think I will try this.
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