Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
Crispy Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
- 3–4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of flour
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
- Applesauce (optional for serving)
Latkes are crispy potato pancakes that are traditionally eaten during the Hanukkah celebration. Oil played a significant role in the Hanukkah story – the flame that miraculously burned for eight days. Therefore, you’ll see foods that have been fried in oil, like these potato pancakes, to reflect the significance of this holiday. With simple ingredients such as potatoes, onions, eggs and flour, you too can make this delicious recipe as an appetizer or side dish. Latkes are traditionally served with sour cream or applesauce. Enjoy!
How to Make Crispy Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
Directions
- 1. Peel and grate the potatoes with a box grater and soak them in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes.
- 2. While potatoes are soaking, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in pan. Add in the onions and fry them until lightly crisp and browned. Add a pinch of salt. Remove from pan and set aside.
- 3. Drain the soaked potatoes by using a cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel to squeeze as much water as possible out of the potatoes. Potatoes should be as dry as possible.
- 4. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, flour, onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of pepper and potatoes. Mix well.
- 5. In the same frying pan you used for the onions, heat enough oil on medium-high heat to cover the entire pan with about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch or so of oil.
- 6. Scoop out some of the potato mixture (about 1/4 cup) and shape into a rough ball with your hands. Mixture should be firm enough to form with your hands. Carefully drop into the hot oil and flatten immediately with a spatula.
- 7. Fry 3–5 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
- 8. Continue to add oil as needed to keep the level consistent.
- 9. Set done latkes on a plate or baking sheet with paper towels.
Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.