Korean Banchan: Potato Pancakes

This is one of the most palate-friendly banchans you could make.  It's among the first banchans I make for people who might be hesitant to try Korean food.  "It's safe," I tell them in a soothing voice.  "It's just potatoes in batter.  It won't hurt you."  And when they've been lulled into a false sense of security, you have them stick their noses in a vat of kimchi.  I mean, just kidding.

This banchan is also very cost-effective.  A couple potatoes and a little flour and water as the main ingredient...sets you back a few bucks?  Hi, grad student.

Ingredients (about 3-4 servings):
-2 medium potatoes (about tennis ball sized)
-1/2 onion, finely chopped
-1/2 cup flour
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp garlic powder
-water (amount varies)

1.  Wash and peel potatoes.  Using the coarse end of your grater, grate potatoes into thin strips. 

2.  Add onion, flour, salt, and garlic powder.  Mix.  You should have a thick mixture.

3.  Now, add a small splash of water and mix.  Does it make a milky batter, or is it still thick?  Add more water until you get a nice batter (consistency of cake batter, or thicker). 

4.  Heat a large pan on medium high.  Spray or grease with vegetable oil. 

5.  Place a spoonful (about 1 tbsp) of the potato mixture in the pan and kinda press flat with the back of the spoon.

6.  Once the edges get brown, flip it over and let the other side cook. 

7.  Remove from pan once it is mostly crispy.  I usually put it on a paper towel-lined plate so that some of the excess grease can absorb.

Now, the trick is to use the first few as a test.  Taste it...is it seasoned enough?  If not, add more salt.  Are the pieces of potato kinda falling apart?  Add more flour and a tiny bit more water (this makes more batter).  Or are they absolutely perfect?  :) 

My favorite are the ones with extra crunchy outsides.  I think my mom prefers them a little softer.  Go with your personal preferences. 

But seriously, check this out...

Is your mouth watering yet? 

They are really great dipped in a little soy sauce n' vinegar mix.  Yum, don't these look delicious?

It's like a glorified and flattened hash brown with a crispier exterior.  Yum, these are soooooooo good and soooooo easy to make!  Seriously, just go buy some potatoes and try making these tonight!  It's a change to the old baked potato or fries on the side.  I'd bet these would make a great side for any meat dish.

Enjoy!  I hope these brighten your Mondays a bit :)

For a printable version of this recipe, please click here.