Crispy Swedish Griddled Potato Cakes with Sour Cream

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about the sound of savory batter hitting a sizzling hot griddle. These Swedish Griddled Potato Cakes, known traditionally as Raggmunk, are the ultimate definition of rustic comfort food. Unlike heavy hash browns, these cakes strike a delicate balance between a savory pancake and a crispy fritter, offering a texture that is soft on the inside but shatteringly crisp on the edges. When cooked on the flat carbon steel cooktop of an Arteflame grill, they develop an even, golden-brown crust that standard frying pans simply cannot replicate. Whether you are planning a hearty outdoor brunch or looking for a unique side dish for your evening roast, this recipe delivers a taste of Scandinavia right in your backyard. The simple, earthy ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece, especially when paired with the classic combination of tangy sour cream and sweet lingonberry jam.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled)
• 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted, for the batter)
• Extra Butter or Oil (for griddling)
• Fresh Chives (chopped, for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Lingonberry jam (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Slowly pour in half of the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free paste.
3. Whisk in the eggs and the remaining milk until fully combined.
4. Stir in the melted butter and let the batter rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate, ensuring a tender texture for your potato cakes.

Step 2: Grate the Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor.
2. Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
3. Squeeze tightly to remove as much excess starch and liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispiness on the griddle.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Immediately fold the dried, grated potatoes into the rested batter to prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.
2. Stir well to ensure every strand of potato is coated in the batter mixture.

Step 4: Heat the Griddle

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop griddle plate.
2. Apply a generous layer of butter or oil to the surface where you plan to cook. Wait until the butter stops foaming and begins to smell nutty.

Step 5: Cook the Cakes

1. Ladle about ½ cup of the mixture onto the hot griddle for each cake.
2. Use the back of the spoon or a spatula to flatten the mound into a thin circle. The thinner you spread it, the crispier the edges will be.
3. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the potato cakes are deeply golden brown and crispy.
4. Move finished cakes to the outer, cooler edge of the Arteflame to keep warm while you finish the remaining batter.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

1. Plate the hot potato cakes immediately.
2. Top with a dollop of cold sour cream, a spoonful of lingonberry jam, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Tips

Achieving the perfect Swedish potato cake is all about moisture management and heat control. If your batter seems too runny after adding the potatoes, do not be afraid to add another tablespoon of flour; however, remember that the batter should be loose enough to spread thin. The contrast between the hot, savory cake and the toppings is essential, so ensure your sour cream is chilled. If you are cooking for a crowd on the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones. Sear the cakes near the center where the heat is highest to set the crust, then drift them toward the outer perimeter to cook the potato through without burning the exterior. Finally, patience is key—do not flip the cakes until they release naturally from the griddle surface.

• Squeeze the potatoes thoroughly; dry potatoes equal crispy cakes.
• Use clarified butter or a high-smoke point oil if your griddle is extremely hot.
• Do not overcrowd the cooking surface to maintain high heat retention.

Variations

While the traditional Raggmunk recipe is a classic for a reason, these potato cakes serve as a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match the season or your main course. For a heartier, more savory version, many Swedes enjoy Raggmunk med fläsk, which involves incorporating fried salted pork belly directly into the meal. If you prefer a vegetarian twist with more nutritional density, root vegetables mix beautifully with the potato base. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to shift the flavor profile from Scandinavian to something more continental. Here are a few delicious variations to try on your griddle:

• Cheesy Herb: Mix in ½ cup of grated aged cheddar and a tablespoon of dill into the batter.
• Root Veggie Blend: Substitute half the potato with grated carrots or parsnips for a sweeter, earthier cake.
• Garlic & Onion: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ cup of finely grated onion for a savory kick.
• Bacon Infused: Crumble crispy bacon bits directly into the batter before frying.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour.

Best pairings

Swedish griddled potato cakes are incredibly versatile and can transition seamlessly from a breakfast star to a dinner side. Traditionally, the interplay of salty, fatty, and sweet flavors is what makes this dish shine. The most iconic pairing is, of course, fried thick-cut bacon and lingonberries, creating a perfect trifecta of textures and tastes. However, because of their neutral potato base, they pair exceptionally well with seafood and smoked meats. The smokiness from the Arteflame grill enhances these pairings even further. Whether you are hosting a refined brunch or a rugged outdoor barbecue, consider these accompaniments to elevate the meal:

• Smoked Salmon: Top with crème fraîche, smoked salmon, and capers for an elegant appetizer.
• Roast Pork: Serve alongside slow-roasted pork loin with apple sauce.
• Pickled Vegetables: The acidity of pickled cucumbers or red onions cuts through the richness of the fried cake.
• Poached Eggs: Place a runny poached egg on top for a decadent breakfast.

Conclusion

Mastering these Swedish Griddled Potato Cakes on your Arteflame adds a wonderful new dimension to your outdoor cooking repertoire. They are the perfect example of how humble ingredients—potatoes, flour, and eggs—can be elevated into something truly spectacular with the right technique and equipment. The high heat of the griddle creates a texture that is difficult to achieve indoors, offering a crunch that gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Whether you stick to the traditional serving of lingonberries and bacon or experiment with savory cheese and herb variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, light up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple, soulful pleasure of authentic Swedish home cooking.