Description
Crispy golden potato pancakes (latkes) bring comfort and tradition from Jewish kitchens, celebrating simple ingredients with extraordinary flavor. Sizzling hot from the skillet, these irresistible treats will transport you to cherished family gatherings with their perfect crunch and warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion, grated (about 0.5 cup)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour or matzah meal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredient:
- Vegetable oil or other neutral oil, for frying
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
- Applesauce
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Transform fresh potatoes into delicate shreds using a box grater or food processor with a grating blade, ensuring uniform texture.
- Extract maximum moisture from potato shreds by wringing them thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, creating the foundation for crispy latkes.
- Incorporate grated onion, beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper into the potato mixture, blending ingredients until uniformly combined.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, verifying temperature by testing a small potato morsel that sizzles upon contact.
- Carefully deposit spoonfuls of potato mixture into hot oil, gently pressing each pancake with the back of a spoon to create flat, even shapes.
- Allow latkes to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until edges turn crisp and center becomes tender.
- Transfer cooked pancakes onto paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Present immediately with traditional accompaniments like tangy applesauce, creamy sour cream, or smooth Greek yogurt for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Draining Potatoes Thoroughly ensures crispy, golden-brown latkes that aren’t soggy or greasy.
- Use Starchy Potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best texture and binding properties in your pancakes.
- Experiment with Alternative Flours like almond or gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe suitable for different dietary needs.
- Control Oil Temperature by maintaining a consistent medium-high heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout the pancakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg