Name: Delicious Depression Era Stuffed Potato Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 large potatoes, peeled and boiled; 1 onion, finely chopped; 500 grams ground beef; 25 grams butter; 160 grams all-purpose flour; 4 eggs (3 for potato batter, 1 for beef mixture); Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Red pepper powder (optional); Vegetable oil for frying

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Depression Era Stuffed Potato is a nostalgic recipe that takes me back to simpler times. This traditional dish features delicious potato pancakes filled with a hearty beef mixture, showcasing the ingenuity of home cooks during the Great Depression. With its economical ingredients and comforting flavors, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a taste of history. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful pancakes!

Why You’ll Love This Depression Era Stuffed Potato

This Depression Era Stuffed Potato recipe is not only economical but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons to love this dish:

Simple ingredients that are easy to find, making it a great easy stuffed potato recipe from the 1930s.
Perfect for families, providing a hearty meal that fills everyone up.
Reflects the culinary creativity of the time, showcasing what is a Depression-era stuffed potato.
Offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with crispy pancakes surrounding savory filling.
It’s a classic comfort food recipe that warms the heart and soul.
Versatile; you can easily adapt the filling to suit your tastes.

Ingredients for Depression Era Stuffed Potato

Gather these items:

7 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 onion, finely chopped
500 grams ground beef
25 grams butter
160 grams all-purpose flour
4 eggs (3 for potato batter, 1 for beef mixture)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Red pepper powder (optional)
Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make Depression Era Stuffed Potato Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil and peel the potatoes, then mash them thoroughly and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 3 eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
Step 3: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper powder, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir in 1 beaten egg to bind the mixture, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Take a portion of the potato batter and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
Step 6: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the disc, then carefully fold and seal the edges to encase the filling, forming a stuffed pancake.
Step 7: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Step 8: Fry the stuffed potato pancakes for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Depression Era Stuffed Potato

Keep these in mind:

Use starchy potatoes for a fluffier pancake texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as it will lower the oil temperature.
Experiment with different fillings like vegetables or cheeses for a twist on traditional stuffed potato meals.

Best Ways to Serve Depression Era Stuffed Potato

Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Serve with a side of fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Pair with homemade applesauce for a sweet contrast.
Top with sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Depression Era Stuffed Potato

To keep your pancakes fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring they retain their crispy texture. This method is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Era Stuffed Potato

What’s the secret to perfect Depression Era Stuffed Potato?

The secret lies in ensuring your potato batter is smooth and pliable, making it easy to encase the filling. Also, using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor.

Can I make Depression Era Stuffed Potato ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pancakes and freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and fry until golden.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Depression Era Stuffed Potato?

Make sure not to overcook the beef filling, as it can become dry. Additionally, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Variations of Depression Era Stuffed Potato You Can Try

Here are some creative twists to consider:

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add grated cheese to the filling for a creamy touch.
Incorporate different spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Delicious Depression Era Stuffed Potato Pancakes - Depression Era Stuffed Potato - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cheesy mashed potato balls for a fun twist. You can also explore potato gnocchi beef stew for a hearty meal option.

For a deeper understanding of the Great Depression’s impact on cooking, you can read more about it here.

Delicious Depression Era Stuffed Potato Pancakes

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A traditional Depression-era recipe featuring simple, economical potato pancakes stuffed with a savory beef filling, reflecting the resourcefulness of the time.

Instructions

Boil and peel the potatoes, then mash them thoroughly and allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 3 eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper powder, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir in 1 beaten egg to bind the mixture, then remove from heat.
Take a portion of the potato batter and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the disc, then carefully fold and seal the edges to encase the filling, forming a stuffed pancake.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the stuffed potato pancakes for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.