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Classic Crispy Potato Latkes

A close-up stack of three golden-brown, crispy Potato Latkes served on a white plate.
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Make traditional, golden-brown potato latkes for Hanukkah. This recipe yields crispy fried pancakes that are tender inside, perfect for serving hot with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or matzo meal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Grate the potatoes and onion using the coarse side of a box grater.
  2. Place the grated mixture in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Wrap tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is key for crispiness.
  3. Transfer the dry potato and onion mixture to a medium bowl.
  4. Add the beaten eggs, flour (or matzo meal), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works well) and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form pancakes. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  7. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp.
  8. Remove the latkes from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve immediately with applesauce and sour cream.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, chill the grated potato mixture for 15 minutes after squeezing out the liquid before mixing in the eggs and flour.
  • Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the latkes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • If you are making these ahead, you can keep them warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/potato-latkes-recipe-crispy-fried/