Crispy Shredded Potato Pancakes with Spicy Red Sauce

Updated at: 25/06/2025

Are you ready to experience a potato pancake like no other? Forget bland, flat discs; "Tortitas de Papa Desgreñadas," or "Shredded Potato Pancakes," are a vibrant explosion of crispy, golden-brown goodness. These aren't your grandma's potato pancakes – these are elevated, showcasing the rustic charm of shredded potatoes transformed into a delightfully uneven, intensely flavorful treat. Imagine perfectly crisp edges yielding to a fluffy, slightly spicy interior, a textural masterpiece that dances on the tongue. We're not just talking about a side dish; we're talking about a star player worthy of any meal.

This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior, transforming humble potatoes into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to discover the simple yet effective techniques that will lead you to create these irresistible pancakes. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Tools Needed

  • Grater
  • Kitchen towel
  • Frying pan
  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 900 grams (2 large)
  • Onion: 1/2 small
  • Cheese: Crumbled fresh cheese (amount to taste)
  • Eggs: 1-2
  • Cornstarch or Wheat Flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Tomatoes: 500 grams (1/2 kg)
  • Onion (for sauce): 1/2 small, finely chopped
  • Habanero Pepper: 1 (adjust to spice preference)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Potato Pancakes

  • Mash the onion and set aside.
  • Peel the potatoes and grate them using the largest holes of the grater.
  • Wrap the grated potatoes in a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid. This helps make them crispier.
  • Let the squeezed potatoes rest for a few minutes to separate the water from the starch. Discard the water, retaining the starch.
Mash the onion and set aside.Peel the potatoes and grate them using the largest holes of the grater.Wrap the grated potatoes in a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid. This helps make them crispier.Let the squeezed potatoes rest for a few minutes to separate the water from the starch. Discard the water, retaining the starch.
Prepare the Potato Pancakes
  • In a bowl, beat an egg with the potato starch. Mix with the grated potatoes, onion, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add more egg and cornstarch/flour as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan. Test if the oil is hot enough by adding a small amount of the potato mixture; it should bubble immediately. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Form the potato mixture into small pancakes and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a bowl, beat an egg with the potato starch. Mix with the grated potatoes, onion, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add more egg and cornstarch/flour as needed to achieve desired consistency.Heat oil in a frying pan. Test if the oil is hot enough by adding a small amount of the potato mixture; it should bubble immediately. Adjust seasoning if needed.Form the potato mixture into small pancakes and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Potato Pancakes

Step 2. Make the Spicy Red Sauce

  • Roast or boil tomatoes (roasting is preferred for smoother skin removal). Alternatively, use raw tomatoes.
  • Remove habanero pepper seeds and veins for less spiciness. Blend the tomatoes, habanero, and chopped onion.
  • Sauté the chopped onion in a pan with a little hot oil (about 5-6 minutes).
  • Add the blended tomato mixture to the pan, season with salt, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until the sauce reduces.
For the sauce: Roast or boil tomatoes (roasting is preferred for smoother skin removal). Alternatively, use raw tomatoes.Remove habanero pepper seeds and veins for less spiciness. Blend the tomatoes, habanero, and chopped onion.Sauté the chopped onion in a pan with a little hot oil (about 5-6 minutes).Add the blended tomato mixture to the pan, season with salt, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until the sauce reduces.
Make the Spicy Red Sauce

Step 3. Cook the Pancakes

  • Heat oil in a frying pan. Test if the oil is hot enough by adding a small amount of the potato mixture; it should bubble immediately. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Form the potato mixture into small pancakes and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Test if the oil is hot enough by adding a small amount of the potato mixture; it should bubble immediately. Adjust seasoning if needed.Form the potato mixture into small pancakes and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cook the Pancakes

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve the potato pancakes with the spicy red sauce.
Serve the potato pancakes with the spicy red sauce.
Serve

Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel

Tips

  • Squeezing out excess liquid from the grated potatoes is crucial for crispy pancakes.
  • Adjust the amount of egg and starch to achieve the desired consistency of the potato mixture.
  • Testing the oil temperature before frying ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
  • Roasting the tomatoes for the sauce results in a smoother texture; boiling them results in thicker skin, so removing it is better for a smooth result.
  • Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to control the level of spiciness in the sauce.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or other starchy potatoes. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly.

2. How can I make the pancakes crispier?

Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried before frying. Use plenty of hot oil and don't overcrowd the pan. A little extra time in the pan will also help achieve extra crispiness.


These crispy shredded potato pancakes, paired with the vibrant spicy red sauce, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The satisfying crunch and flavorful combination will leave you wanting more. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!