Porcini mushrooms are a highly prized ingredient, known for their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture. They are often used in Italian cuisine and pair perfectly with the delicate flavor of Swiss chard. Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
To start off, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of porcini mushrooms, sliced
– 1 bunch of Swiss chard
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– Oil, for frying
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic and porcini mushrooms, stirring frequently until the mushrooms are golden brown. Remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.
Next, remove the stems from the Swiss chard leaves and chop them into small pieces. Place the leaves in a separate bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let the salt work its magic, drawing out the excess moisture from the leaves.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, beaten eggs, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Then, add the porcini mushroom mixture and chopped Swiss chard stems to the bowl and stir to combine.
Now it is time to cook the pancakes. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a tablespoon, scoop the potato mixture and drop it onto the skillet, flattening it into a patty. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the pancakes onto a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
To serve, arrange the pancakes on a platter and top with the Swiss chard leaves. The combination of crispy potato pancakes, savory porcini mushrooms, and flavorful Swiss chard make this dish a showstopper. It also makes a fantastic vegetarian entree for any meal.
In conclusion, potato pancakes are a classic dish that you can put your own spin on. By adding porcini mushrooms and Swiss chard, you can transform this humble dish into a luxurious entree that is sure to impress your guests.