Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are a delicious and crispy dish made from grated potatoes. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or even a main course. Here’s a simple recipe to make potato pancakes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1 small onion (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for a traditional option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Sour cream or applesauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or food processor. If using, grate the onion as well.
- Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for crispy pancakes.
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Mix the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of the potato mixture into the oil; it should sizzle.
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Form and fry the pancakes:
- Using a spoon or your hands, take a small amount of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty (about 3 inches in diameter).
- Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Drain and serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce on the side.
Tips:
- Serving suggestions: You can top the pancakes with chives or green onions for added flavor.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it, but it’s best to fry the pancakes fresh.
- Baking option: For a healthier version, you can bake the pancakes at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re crispy.
Enjoy your crispy potato pancakes! They make a delightful addition to any meal.
