
Crispy on the outside, tender and yielding within, this Swiss potato cake is one of those dishes that feels far more impressive than the effort it requires. The technique is everything here — a quick par-boil followed by a thorough chill draws out excess starch and moisture, setting you up for that deeply golden, lacquered crust that makes rösti so satisfying. Squeezing the grated potato in a kitchen towel before it hits the pan is the move that separates a soggy disappointment from something genuinely crunchy and cohesive. Butter and a neutral oil work together in the skillet to build rich flavor without burning, and the confident flip halfway through is the kind of kitchen moment that feels like a small triumph. The whole thing comes together with nothing more than potatoes, salt, pepper, butter, and oil — which also makes it a naturally clean choice for anyone avoiding spice blends or anti-inflammatory additives that sneak into so many packaged potato dishes. Cut into wedges and served straight from the board, it works as a hearty side or a simple centerpiece all on its own.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings




Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until a skewer meets firm resistance about halfway through — the potatoes should be just barely tender at the outer edge but still raw at the center, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) until completely cold.
Peel the cold potatoes and coarsely grate them on the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss gently to distribute. Spread the grated potato onto a clean kitchen towel, roll it up, and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
