How could it be that I had some mashed potatoes conveniently leftover to make these delectable Matafan? I have a thing for mashed potatoes. I would happily eat them as a meal. I always get seconds and thirds of stuffing and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving.
I try not to make them too often as they are difficult to resist. Having rekindled my craving for fluffy mashed potatoes last week, I had to make more earlier this week with our meal. There was about 2 cups leftover and I couldn’t resist trying Dorie’s Matafan recipe. Whipped egg whites makes them light as a feather and I will be making mashed potatoes again very soon just so I can have more Matafan.
They are a staple in France in Pays de Savoie. They are a cross between a pancake and blini and are served as a side dish, starter, or snack. In Savoyard, the word Matafan means to calm hunger. Let me tell you, they calmed my hunger when I had this plate of them the other day for lunch. They paired perfectly with my salad of mixed organic greens and dried cranberries. I couldn’t wait for the kids to come home for school and make this for them as an afterschool snack.
 "matafan-4")
 "matafan-5")
The French Fridays with Dorie group does not share recipes. Come join the fun and see what everyone else is doing in the group.
Cake Duchess is where you can follow the baking adventures of me! Hi! I'm Lora, a mom of two cuties in South Florida. I got into all this baking mess because of them. 
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
i have been a terrible blogger buddy- but i am back again with merry mondays! hope you will join and hope all is well with you!
I have just made these today for FFWD and they were delicious! I have a weakness for mashed potatoes, too…isn’t that terrible? No, that’s not terrible at all really, lol.
Those pancakes look really fluffy and soft. A perfect lunch with some salad.
These were so good, weren’t they? I ate them all by themselves, straight out of the pan!
These were very good – we were eating them straight up and with several different toppings.
Wow, oh wow. I actually have leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge right now too. I don’t do the Dorie thing but I do have the cookbook on the shelf. Those look so gorgeous I think I’m going to have to pull it out and make me some pancakes.
Your batter looks perfectly light! The crisped up edges are my favorite.
I love these!!!! I have got to make them for my husband.
PS. I love your new site look!
It was delightful to wash the transformation of the batter once we fold in the egg whites. It turned so airy! Glad you enjoyed this recipe. So much more convenient when you already have mashed potatoes to start with.
Oh yum, I bet they were delicious with bites of salad mixed in! Looks great!
I might try this again when I have mashed potatoes in the fridge, but these just seemed too bland for the amount of time put in. Maybe if I some other flavors.
I was wondering how they’d work with pre-made mashed potatoes. I am very pleased to hear that they came out well, because I’m much more inclined to make them again if I don’t have to go through the whole baking/mashing through a strainer ordeal.
Wow – now that is a transformation of leftovers! I am not a big fan of mashed potatoes, but I think I would love these! Great job!
Seeing all your photos and posts has left me hungry for Matafan. I miss FFWD, wish I had the time to join again. Meanwhile I’ll read your reviews and admire your photos
Lora…your Matafan fluffy mashed potatoes looks good with the organic salad! I gave tis a miss but looking at yours makes me hungry
I’m so glad you’re back with us, Lora! Your pancakes look perfect…they’re making me want some more
Have a wonderful weekend!
PS…LOVE your new header!!!
Wow, yum, can’t wait to make these pancakes! I love your beautiful header too;-)
Love the new header, super pretty. These pancakes sure look delicious. I love the picture of the two bowls side by side. Have a wonderful weekend.
I will now always make sure that I make too much mashed potatoes any time I make them. These look just wonderful! Great job!
what a delicious sounding (and looking!) recipe! Im going to grab a coffee and read more, so glad i found your blog
Belle
I’d make extra mashed potatoes too just to have some to make these matafans. Your salad looks pretty tempting too!
These are definitely a good reason to make extra mashed potatoes!
Starting with already mashed potatoes would certainly make this easier – love your shortcut and it looks like they turned out great.
Wow I have never heard of these but I want! Yes this does make the best lunch just with a salad! And why not put the dried cranberries in the pancakes?
These look delicious!! I’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same!
Yum! Lucky you to have the mashed potatoes on hand! Great reason to make a little extra mashed potatoes.