Pennsylvania Dutch potato cakes

Pennsylvania Dutch potato cakes, also known as "potato fritters" or "potato pancakes," are a delicious dish often served as a side or even as a main course. Here's a simple recipe to make them:

Ingredients:
2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

Start by preparing mashed potatoes if you don't have leftover ones. Peel and cube 2-3 medium potatoes, boil until tender, then mash until smooth. Let them cool down before using.
Mix the Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, chopped onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into patties.
Form Potato Cakes:

Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep).
Take a scoop of the potato mixture (about 1/4 cup) and shape it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Place it gently into the hot oil. You can fit multiple patties in the pan, but don't overcrowd them.
Fry the Potato Cakes:

Cook the potato cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over halfway through cooking.
Serve:

Once both sides are golden brown and crispy, transfer the potato cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot as a side dish with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite toppings.
Tips:
Variations: You can add other ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs (such as parsley or chives), or even crumbled bacon to the potato mixture for added flavor.

Keep them Warm: If you're cooking in batches, keep the cooked potato cakes warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish frying the rest.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture before frying and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.