National Dish Ukraine: Kartopliany Deruny (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Kartopliany Deruny, the golden potato pancakes that sit right at the heart of Ukrainian home cooking. Made from freshly grated potatoes, onion and a handful of pantry staples, they turn out crispy at the edges and meltingly soft in the middle. Whether you fancy a quick snack, a hearty supper or a comforting plate for a family gathering, these humble fritters deliver every time. Bring a little of Ukraine’s warmth to your own kitchen with this timeless classic.
About Kartopliany Deruny
Kartopliany Deruny, also known simply as potato pancakes, are a true traditional dish of Ukrainian cuisine. They make an excellent snack for any time of day, yet they are equally at home at family celebrations and festive gatherings. The dish is built from freshly grated potatoes, onion and a careful selection of seasonings that give it its unmistakable flavour. Crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender within, deruny make every single bite a pleasure.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–3 medium potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg
- 3–4 tablespoons flour (wheat or gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for kartopliany deruny, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality produce. This matters most of all for the potatoes, since they are the star of the dish. Look for potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. The onion, too, should be fresh and not sprouting, so you get the very best flavour in the finished pancakes.
Preparing the dish
Preparing kartopliany deruny is quick and straightforward. Start by peeling and washing the potatoes and the onion thoroughly. Next, grate both into a bowl. To help the mixture come together into a smooth batter, give it a brief mash with a fork or a potato masher before you add the remaining ingredients.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the grated potatoes and onion in a large bowl.
- Add the egg and the flour and stir well until everything is evenly bound together.
- Season with salt and pepper. The batter should be lightly thick and spoonable.
- Heat a little oil in a frying pan and drop in spoonfuls of the potato mixture.
- Fry the deruny until golden brown on both sides, then drain on kitchen paper.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour such as rice flour or buckwheat flour. If you are keeping things lactose-free, take care to choose lactose-free versions of any sour cream or other accompaniments you serve alongside. That way everyone with an intolerance can still enjoy these delicious little snacks.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan take on kartopliany deruny, the egg can be replaced with a spoonful of apple sauce to achieve a similar binding in the batter. Another option is soaked chia seeds, softened in water beforehand. Vegetarians can enjoy the original recipe just as it is, since the dish is naturally meat-free — much like the potato-filled Varenyky with Potatoes.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tips will help you turn out perfect deruny every time. Take care not to over-grate the potatoes, as this can leave you with a watery batter. The choice of pan matters too — a non-stick frying pan makes cooking easier and stops the pancakes from sticking. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings until you land on the flavour that suits you best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for kartopliany deruny is wonderfully adaptable. You can grate in extra carrots or courgette to create a colourful mix of vegetables. The seasoning is easy to adjust as well; try adding a pinch of paprika or caraway to vary the taste. Be creative and make the recipe your own — a spoonful of grated mushroom takes it towards the earthy Deruny with Mushrooms.
Ingredient substitutions
If you happen to be out of potatoes, you can also use celeriac or parsnip to create an interesting twist on deruny. These alternatives can lend the dish a whole new flavour direction and give the traditional recipe a creative spin. Just be sure to adjust the texture and the cooking times to suit the vegetable you choose.
Drink pairing ideas
A variety of drinks pair beautifully with kartopliany deruny. A refreshing sparkling water or a homemade lemonade is ideal for balancing the crisp fritters. A cold beer or a fruity white wine can also complement the flavours of the dish rather nicely. Try a few different pairings and discover your own favourite combination.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your deruny can lift the whole eating experience. Serve the pancakes on a colourful plate and garnish them with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. A few spoonfuls of sour cream or a dollop of apple sauce on the side add flavour and look inviting too — the classic pairing you will find in Deruny with Sour Cream. A little fresh salad rounds out the plate and adds a splash of healthy colour.
A bit of history
The history of kartopliany deruny runs deep in Ukrainian culture. Long regarded as honest home cooking, they have a proud place in family recipes handed down through the generations. Different regions of Ukraine have their own variations — some fold in fresh herbs, while others reach for a particular type of flour. This diversity makes the dish a fascinating part of Ukrainian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Kartopliany Deruny
Kartopliany Deruny are a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that perfectly captures the traditions of Ukrainian cooking. With just a handful of ingredients you can create something that works equally well as a snack or a main course. Thanks to the recipe’s flexibility there are no limits to your imagination, and anyone can make it their own. Give this dish a try and let the flavours of Ukraine win you over.
