If you drain potatoes for potato pancakes and then throw away the water, it might have an impact on the final taste and texture of the pancakes. Here's why:
Starch Content: Potatoes contain starch, and when you grate them for potato pancakes, the released starch can help bind the shredded potatoes together. When you drain the potatoes and discard the water, you're removing some of the starch, which may affect the pancakes' ability to hold their shape and result in a less cohesive texture.
Flavor: The water you drain from the potatoes may contain some potato flavor, especially if the potatoes have been sitting for a while. By discarding this water, you might be losing some of that potato essence, which could impact the overall taste of the pancakes.
Color: When potatoes are grated, they can turn brownish due to oxidation. By rinsing the grated potatoes in water, you can prevent or minimize this browning effect. If you drain the potatoes and discard the water, the browning may be more pronounced, affecting the appearance of the pancakes.
To make the best potato pancakes, you can try the following techniques:
Draining and Resting: After grating the potatoes, place them in a colander or sieve and let them drain. However, instead of immediately discarding the water, allow the grated potatoes to sit for a few minutes. The starch will settle at the bottom, and you can pour off the excess water gently, leaving the starch behind.
Squeezing: To remove even more moisture, wrap the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess water. This step helps in achieving a crispier texture for the pancakes.
Preserving Flavor: If you're concerned about losing flavor, consider using some of the drained potato water in your pancake batter. It can help retain the potato taste and also add some starch to improve the pancake's texture.
Preparation Time: Ideally, you should prepare the pancake batter right before cooking the pancakes. This minimizes the exposure of the grated potatoes to air and prevents excessive browning.
By following these tips, you can enhance the taste and texture of your potato pancakes and make them even more delicious.