Slovak Potato Pancakes with Cracklings

For the potato pancakes, first boil the potatoes in their skins in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain them and let cool slightly. Peel them and press through a ricer or mash well with a fork until smooth.

Add the egg, plain flour and salt to the mashed potato. Work it into a smooth, shapeable dough that does not stick. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Divide the dough into walnut-sized balls and flatten them with your palm into patties about 1 cm thick. Heat the lard in a pan. Fry the patties in batches for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Fry the chopped onion until golden, then add the cracklings and warm through briefly. Serve the patties hot, topped with cracklings and onion, with sour cream on the side.