Latke Season on Fleek!
Happy Hanukkah to everyone. But we all know what that means. LATKE TIME! Potato pancakes, regardless of holiday or season, are seriously just good eats. They're comfort food that when paired with the right dipping accoutrement take potatoes to the next level. So here's my favorite recipe, because i've been asked a number of times already this season. And yes I'll admit... I'm an applesauce dipper allllllll the way!
This recipe should make 22-24 pieces
INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes
1 large white or brown onion, shredded
3/4 cup matzo meal or bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1 tbsp potato starch
1 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
1/2 tsp pepper
Garlic
Peanut or grapeseed oil for frying (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup schmaltz (optional)
YOU WILL ALSO NEED
hand grater or food processor with shredding disc attachment with choice of large holes or fine holes
clean tea towel or layers of cheesecloth
skillet or electric skillet for frying
colander
large mixing bowl
medium bowl
metal spatula
wire cooling rack
Cut potatoes and then place in food processor
Immediately place grated potatoes in a bowl with water so they don’t oxidize
Grate onions
Drain potatoes well of water
Mix with onion and place in dishtowel and wring to release more water
Mix with fork so it’s all even
In a skillet, add oil to reach a depth of 1/8 inch. Add 1/4 cup of schmaltz to the oil if you'd like, it will add more savory flavor to the latkes. (You’re pan frying. Not deep frying and not sauteeing)
Heat slowly over medium to about 365 degrees
While oil is heating, use the fork to stir the matzo meal, beaten eggs, potato starch, salt and pepper and i love to add some garlic here, into the potato and onion shreds
Take care to make sure the egg and seasonings are fully mixed throughout the potato shreds
Take 3Tablespoons worth or 1/8c
Make into a cake or patty (I make a number at once so once the oil is ready you can really make in batches and the cooking timing is easier)
Make a few to fit your pan before placing carefully in hot oil
This ensures they all cook more or less at the same timing
I use a stainless steel wide spoon so they get in the oil in one piece and you don’t burn your fingers
Frying is what brings it all together and ‘engages the glue of the ingredients’ so they don’t fall apart
The oil should sizzle, but not pop when the latke hits it; if the oil jumps wildly or smokes, it is too hot. If it only bubbles weakly, the oil is not hot enough. Use the first latke to test the oil temperature, and don’t fry a whole batch until the temperature is right.
3-4min per side
If you find them not holding together, add some more potato starch 2teaspoons at a time mixing into the mixture well you could also add another egg or matzo meal mixing thoroughly into mixture
Take them out and drain oil on racks or paper towels and serve. You can always reheat in oven at 375 degrees
Throw some fresh herbs for garnish and serve! ENJOY!!!!!
