Patatnik facts for kids
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| Place of origin | Bulgaria |
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| Region or state | Rhodope Mountains |
| Main ingredients | Potatoes, onions, eggs, salt, spearmint |
Patatnik or patetnik is a special Bulgarian potato dish. It comes from the Rhodope Mountains in the central south of Bulgaria. Patatnik is made from grated potatoes, onions, salt, and a mild type of mint called Gyosum. All these ingredients are mixed and cooked slowly. Sometimes, people add sirene (a type of white cheese) or eggs, but this is not the traditional way. Some also use savory herb and peppers.
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What is Patatnik?
Patatnik is a traditional food from the Rhodope Mountains. It's a savory dish, meaning it's not sweet. It's often enjoyed as a main meal or a side dish. The name "Patatnik" comes from the local word for potato, patato or pateto. This word is common in the dialects spoken in the Rhodopes.
How is Patatnik Made?
Making Patatnik involves a few steps. First, the potatoes are grated and squeezed to remove extra water. Then, they are mixed with onions.
Traditional Cooking Methods
One way to make Patatnik is to form two thin sheets from the potato mixture. One sheet goes at the bottom of a dish. It needs to be larger than the dish so its edges hang over. The rest of the potato mixture is spiced and poured onto this bottom sheet. Then, the second sheet covers the top. The edges of both sheets are folded over to seal the dish. This method makes it look a bit like a "potato banitsa" (a type of pastry).
When the bottom is cooked, the Patatnik is carefully flipped over. It then slides back into the dish to cook the other side.
Simpler Cooking Methods
Another way to prepare Patatnik is simpler. All the ingredients are mixed together until they are smooth. This mixture is then cooked in a deep dish over a slow heat. After about 20 minutes, the mixture is turned over. It is then covered and cooked further until it's ready.
Where Does Patatnik Come From?
Patatnik is a traditional dish across the entire Rhodope Mountains. You can find it in areas from Bansko in Pirin to Smolyan and Zlatograd. It's even popular as far east as Chernichevo. The name patatnik comes from the local word for "potato," patato or pateto. This word is different from the standard Bulgarian word for potato, kartof. In a town called Nedelino, this dish is known as kashnitsa.
External links
- In Spanish: Patatnik para niños
