Waffle Iron Potato and Zucchini Pancakes

I am always looking for new ways to cook healthier food. We just love latke and pancakes but I am turned off with the fact that in order to make them nice and crispy outside and soft inside I have to use quite a bit of fat; one reason that until recently they were not on my menu very often. Then, while cleaning my small kitchen appliance storage area it hit me: use an electric waffle iron! Not only is it healthier but also heck of a lot cleaner. Both of these points make it a real winner.

Ingredients

2 medium russet potatoes, coarsely shredded
2 medium zucchini, coarsely shredded
1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tsp. ground white pepper
1 large egg
2 green onions, chopped

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions
Place the grated zucchini and potato in a stainless steel bowl and season with salt and pepper. Let rest for up to 30 minutes. Place the mix in a kitchen towel and squeeze to remove some of the liquid. Transfer back to a bowl, mix in the beaten egg, green onions and flour. The consistency should be that of a thick pancake batter. If the mix is too thick, add some milk, if it is too runny, add more flour.

Preheat the waffle iron and cook the mix just like you would regular waffles. I cooked mine about 6 minutes but since every iron has a different power you have to experiment for the first time you make them.

Serve with plain sour cream or yogurt.

Korean Zucchini Pancake

Hobakjeon  호박전

Last few days I had cravings for potato pancakes (or Čmunda in Czech) but it is a winter or cold weather meal. While browsing through other food blogs I came across zucchini version and since I bought bunch of zucchinis at local farmers market my plan was formalized. There is nothing like eating local and in season, right?

This pancake is great for nice quick lunch and can be eaten hot or at room temperature.

My version is based on recipe from Maangchi’s blog that I follow on regular basis. She also has her own channel on YouTube.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini (I used 1 green and 1 yellow)

3 green onions

2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. sesame oil

Peanut oil for frying

Julienne zucchini (matchstick size) and shred green onions. You should have about 2-1/2 cups of zucchini and 1/2 cup of green onions.

In large mixing bowl beat the egg and then add salt, flour, pepper, garlic and water and mix until well combined and smooth.

Add zucchini and onions and mix thoroughly with spatula.

Heat 12” non-stick frying pan, add 1 Tbs. of oil and when hot add about 3/4 cup of pancake mixture. Spread it evenly, making fairly thin pancake. Press down with spatula to get even browning on bottom. Add some sesame oil around the edges to help the browning. When edges are golden brown, about 2 minutes, flip or turn over and cook another 2 minutes. Again, add 1 tsp. of sesame oil around the edges.

Transfer to heated plate and keep warm while frying rest of the pancakes.

I know that it is basically traditional Korean dish and is served with spicy sauce but I served it with sour cream and sliced strawberries. Nice contrast in texture and taste!

Done just right!

Note: Do not let the frying pan get too hot or you end up with burned edges and raw center.