Potato wizards (Draniki) with minced meat and corn oil – recipe

Cutlets are a tasty and filling dish, but for many they’ve become too familiar or even a bit boring. A great alternative is potato «wizards» (stuffed potato pancakes with minced meat) — tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth potato pancakes filled with chicken, pork, or beef.

Cooking them in unrefined corn oil (cold-pressed corn oil) does not change the flavor or aroma of the finished dish, but significantly boosts its health benefits. Oil extracted from fresh corn kernels using the cold-press method has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and baking.

In addition, corn oil is rich in vitamin E (tocopherol) — a powerful antioxidant, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids — essential for lipid metabolism, lecithin — a phospholipid complex that supports brain function and the central nervous system.

CraftOil offers raw, 100% natural corn oil, freshly produced on the day of purchase from eco-friendly, certified corn kernels. The oil is extracted using a press with polymer (caprolon) or ash wood barrels. We use cold-press technology to ensure premium quality, rich taste and natural aroma.

Browse our catalog — you’re sure to find a product you’ll love.

Ingredients (for stuffed potato pancakes / draniki with meat)

For prepare you will need:

• 5 medium potatoes;
• 1 small onion;
• 100 g minced meat (chicken, pork, or beef);
• 2 tbsp flour;
• 2 tbsp corn oil;
• 1 tsp salt;
• ½ tsp ground black pepper;

Step-by-step recipe

Peel, wash, and grate the potatoes (or blend them). Peel and finely chop or grate the onion. Combine potatoes and onion in a bowl, add salt and pepper. Add flour and mix thoroughly. If excess liquid appears, drain it.

Shape the minced meat into small flat patties (about 1 cm thick).

Heat corn oil in a frying pan. Place about 1 tablespoon of potato mixture in the pan, then add a meat patty on top.  Cover with another spoonful of potato mixture to «seal» it. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes.

Serve hot. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs or sour cream.

Notes:

You can also use sunflower oil, camelina oil or sesame oil for prepare draniki. These oils, along with ground black pepper, are available in the CraftOil online store.