Enjoy potato pancakes while slimming down. A less caloric and healthier version

Potato pancakes, a staple of Polish cuisine, are often shunned when dieting due to concerns over high fat and calorie counts. However, you don't need to completely discard the gratifying taste of potatoes. A slight modification to the traditional recipe can make all the difference.

A common misconception is that potato pancakes are strictly off-limits when trying to lose weight. But it's not entirely accurate. Contrarily, a surplus of calories, not specific foods, leads to weight gain. Plus, many recipes, including those for potato pancakes, can be tweaked to create a healthier, lighter variant.

Picture this - Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, whether savored with goulash or sour cream, is how an ideal pancake looks. Perfecting the art of frying a pancake may seem straightforward, but as many episodes of "Kitchen Revolutions" prove, it can be daunting. Making them less fatty is another challenge. But worry not! I have a tried and tested solution for this - baking the pancakes in the oven. The recipe for the batter is straightforward and requires few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion,
• About 1.1 lbs of potatoes,
• 1 egg,
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Procedure:

1. Peel, wash and grate the potatoes along with the onion.
2. Add the egg, salt, and pepper, and mix thoroughly.
3. If the batter is too thin, thicken it using wheat or potato flour.

If you've made the batter ahead of time and want to prevent it from turning dark, dust it lightly with flour, cover it with a cloth, and place it in the refrigerator.

Although frying might seem simple, it's worthwhile to alter your cooking habits slightly when aiming for healthier potato pancakes. If a quality non-stick pan isn't available, the oven can be your savior.

Line a baking tray with paper. Pour some oil into a small bowl, dip a silicone brush in it, and lightly grease the paper. Use the prepared batter to shape pancakes onto the tray. They should not be too thick to ensure they cook thoroughly. Place them into an oven preheated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden. Then flip them over and bake again until golden.

Serve these freshly baked pancakes with your favorite garnishes. For a healthier choice, try replacing sour cream with natural yogurt. Enjoy your meal!