Zemiakové Lokše s Makom
Zemiakové lokše are thin, savory potato pancakes, a staple in Slovak cuisine. This variation is served with a sweet poppy seed filling, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. They are often enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, especially during the autumn and winter months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(Yukon Gold or similar starchy potatoes, peeled)
- 300 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 150 g Poppy seeds(for filling)
- 150 ml Milk(for filling)
- 75 g Granulated sugar(for filling, or to taste)
- 50 g Butter(melted, for brushing lokše)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the peeled potatoes in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool completely.
💡 Tip: Cooling the potatoes is crucial for the dough's texture. - 2
Finely grate the cooled potatoes using a hand grater or a food processor.
💡 Tip: A fine grate ensures a smooth dough. - 3
In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, flour, and salt. Knead until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms. Add more flour if necessary, but avoid making the dough too stiff.
- 4
Divide the dough into 12-16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in diameter, on a lightly floured surface.
💡 Tip: Work with the dough quickly as it can become sticky. - 5
Heat a dry, non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook each lokša for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly puffed.
- 6
Brush each cooked lokša generously with melted butter on both sides.
💡 Tip: Butter adds flavor and prevents them from drying out. - 7
For the filling: Grind the poppy seeds finely. Heat the milk and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot milk over the ground poppy seeds and stir to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- 8
Serve the warm lokše, either folded or rolled, with a generous spoonful of the poppy seed filling.
💡 Tip: Lokše can also be served with plum jam or a savory filling.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure potatoes are completely cool before grating and mixing with flour.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough, as it can make the lokše tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture content of the potatoes.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with plum jam instead of poppy seeds.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the poppy seed filling.
- For a savory version, omit the sweet filling and serve with duck fat or fried bacon.