Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water.
Grate half of the potatoes on the fine side of a box grater and the other half on the coarse side — the fine grate binds the pancakes while the coarse one gives them texture and a beautiful golden color.
Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the grated potatoes and mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat with vegetable oil as needed, and let the oil get properly hot before you start frying.
Spoon a portion of the potato mixture into the hot oil and press it down gently with the back of the spoon to form a round, flattened pancake.
Fry over medium heat for 2 minutes, until the bottom is golden, then flip and fry the other side for another 2 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed, and serve the potato pancakes (draniki) hot and crisp.
