
Discover the magic of deruny, potato pancakes full of flavor and tradition

Ukrainian Deruny - Potato Pancakes with the Soul of Tradition and Modern Cuisine
The smell of freshly fried potatoes, a crispy edge, and soft dough inside—few things in the kitchen evoke such an intense homely atmosphere as potato pancakes. You might know them by this Czech name, but in Ukraine, you'd be offered deruny. This dish, winning the hearts of gourmets across Europe, boasts a rich history and incredibly versatile form. Deruny are not just a meal—they are a symbol of hospitality, creativity, and sustainability in the kitchen.
What's more, their taste can compete with even the most exquisite culinary specialties. Thanks to simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy them as soon as tonight. The deruny recipe doesn't include any hard-to-find ingredients, yet the resulting dish has character and flair.
Where Deruny Come From and Why They Deserve Your Attention
The origins of the dish reach deep into Ukrainian rural cuisine, where potatoes were a staple of the diet. The name "deruny" comes from the verb "derty"—to tear or grate. This directly refers to the preparation of the dough, where potatoes are finely grated. A similar dish can be found in neighboring countries—placki ziemniaczane in Poland, draniki in Belarus. But it is the Ukrainian deruny that have retained their specific taste and texture thanks to the addition of onions, garlic, and sometimes sour cream or herbs.
While in Czech cuisine, potato pancakes are often prepared with marjoram and smoked meat, Ukrainian deruny rely on simplicity: potatoes, eggs, onions, flour, salt, and pepper. All of this is combined into a compact mixture and fried golden on a pan. The result is a tender dish with a crunchy surface, which is perfect not only as a main course but also as a side dish or a warm snack.
What makes this dish exceptional in the context of sustainable cuisine is that it uses ingredients most of us have at home. It doesn't require luxurious ingredients, yet it offers a full-fledged experience. The recipe for deruny is an ideal example of so-called simple luxury that has its roots in tradition but fits perfectly into a modern lifestyle.
How to Prepare Traditional Deruny
At first glance, preparing deruny may remind you of Czech potato pancakes, but the details make the difference. Prepare:
- 6–8 medium potatoes (ideally type C – cooking type for mash)
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg
- 2–3 tablespoons of plain flour (can also be spelt)
- salt and pepper to taste
- sunflower oil for frying
- optionally garlic, sour cream, chopped dill
Peel the potatoes and grate them finely. Do the same with the onion—either grate or chop it finely. Mix with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add one clove of crushed garlic. The mixture should be thick but smooth—literally spreading across the pan. Fry small pancakes on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes on each side, in hot oil.
Traditionally, they are served with sour cream and chopped herbs. In some regions of Ukraine, deruny are even topped with a creamy garlic sauce or baked in the oven with mushroom ragout. This versatility is one of the reasons why deruny are becoming popular outside Ukraine.
Modern Variations and Healthier Alternatives
For those who eat healthier or are looking for alternatives to fried foods, there are several adjustments that preserve the taste while lightening the dish. Deruny can easily be prepared in the oven, where they bake on baking paper lightly coated with oil. The result is still crispy but less greasy pancakes. Another option is to use plant-based eggs or gluten-free flour, making the recipe suitable for vegans or those with celiac disease.
Instead of classic potatoes, you can add grated zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even beets to the dough, which not only adds a stronger flavor but also a beautiful color. In modern cuisine, deruny increasingly appear as part of vegetarian or vegan plates in bistros and restaurants focused on a sustainable way of eating.
One example of how this traditional dish is finding its way into a new context is the story of a Ukrainian family who, after arriving in the Czech Republic, decided to open a small bistro. Deruny became one of their best-selling dishes. "People were surprised that they tasted similar to our potato pancakes but were softer and lighter. Many asked for the recipe and started making them at home," says the owner of the establishment.
Deruny and Their Place in Seasonal Cuisine
One of the great advantages of deruny is their seasonality. In winter, when potatoes are commonly available and cheap, they become an ideal warming meal. Their combination with root vegetables or mushrooms allows for varied variations without the need to import exotic produce. Also, in spring or summer, potato pancakes can be complemented with fresh spinach, arugula, or spring onions. The connection with local ingredients not only increases the nutritional value of the meal but also significantly reduces its ecological footprint.
Moreover, deruny work beautifully as a way to use up leftovers—like grated vegetable scraps that would otherwise end up in the trash. This is precisely the type of cooking that supports a zero waste approach and helps lead a household in a more sustainable direction. In today’s times, when there is increasing pressure to be nature-friendly, such recipes are a small but important step towards a more responsible lifestyle.
Deruny as a Symbol of Home and Togetherness
Especially in recent years, as people turn more to their roots and seek certainty in tradition, they are rediscovering the charm of simple meals. Deruny thus become not only a culinary experience but also an emotional link to the past. In many Ukrainian families, deruny are prepared on Sundays, during holidays, or at family gatherings. Their preparation is often a shared ritual involving multiple generations.
And that's where their strength lies—it's not just a dish but a reminder of moments spent together. When the smell of fried deruny wafts from the pan, it usually means that something more than just dinner is being prepared. Perhaps that's why deruny find their way into Czech households, which appreciate the combination of the familiar and the new, tradition and simplicity.
So next time you're wondering what quick, cheap, and yet honest meal to prepare, try to remember deruny. You might find that this dish connects your tastes with another culture more than you expected—and will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.