Caramelized Onion-Potato Pancakes

You can think of these as updated hash browns for adults:) I love this recipe, it has been tweaked using different recipes from different sources.

It doesn't take much time to prepare, except for baking the potatoes. So, if you are in a hurry, which I always am, instead of baking the potatoes and then grating them you can grate them first; add them to a bowl which has enough water to cover them so that they don't brown; and then microwave them for about 3 minutes. They need to be firm, don't let them go too soft. When they are ready, drain them; and make sure you squeeze them between your hands to get all the water out.

I serve these next to greens, such as mesclun or baby greens, and sometimes even some goat cheese, and some white wine and I don't need any other main dish:)

CARAMELIZED ONION-POTATO PANCAKES

Ingredients:
2 baking potatoes, baked and chilled
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1/2 cup corn kernels
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
2 egg whites
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Description:
Peel the cold potatoes carefully with a paring knife and gently grate them with the coarse side of a cheese grater and set aside.

Sauté the onions and peppers with 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the onions begin to brown. Add the corn, garlic and herbs and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer. Set aside to cool.

Place the potatoes, vegetables, egg whites, salt and pepper in a medium size bowl and gently fold together. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and form into eight 2" patties.

In a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the 1 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Fry 4 of the pancakes until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain; season immediately with salt and pepper.

Keep the prepared pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a warm oven.

After you carefully wipe out the pan add the remaining butter and oil and cook the remaining 4 pancakes.