“Latkes” – Potato Pancakes

Hanukka without “Latkes” is not Hanukka for me.

In our family “Latkes” are served hot, with applesauce on the side (or on top). Every family has it’s own tradition for serving “Latkes” and every family is convinced that their own tradition is the ONLY possible tradition. So, of course, as far as I am concerned, Latkes with applesauce is the ONLY way to eat them….

Make sure to fry them in hot oil – and although it doesn’t sound logical, it is advised to put a generous amount of oil in the frying pan – that way the latkes will absorb LESS oil than if you put in only a tiny bit of oil.  And just as important, the oil must be very HOT.

When both sides are a nice deep, golden brown, remove from pan and put on paper towels.

Hanukka Sameach! Happy Hanukka!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups washed and grated potatoes
• 1/2 medium onion, grated
• 3 eggs
• 1 – 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons flour
• oil for frying (I use Canola)

Preparation:

1. In food processor with grating knife, or on hand grater, grate potatoes. Sometimes I peel the potatoes, sometimes I leave the skins on. The result is the same, either way.
2. Put in strainer, and squeeze out as much moisture from the potatoes, as possible.
3. Grate onion, either in food processor with grating knife, or on a hand grater. Add to potatoes.
4. Add the eggs, flour, and salt. Mix with large spoon.
5. In non-stick frying pan, put a generous amount of oil (NOT olive oil). Heat till hot.
6. Form “Latkes” using a Tablespoon, and gently slide into the hot oil in frying pan.
7. Fry till the bottom gets to be a golden brown color; With spatula carefully turn over, and fry the other side till it is a deep golden brown color. Be careful not to over-cook; the color should be a very aesthetic golden brown color.
8. Remove from pan, and place on paper towels.
9. Continue till you complete all the latkes.
10. After draining them on the paper towels, if you are not serving them immediately (which is the best way to eat them), place them on a large baking tin lined with aluminum foil. Place them one next to the other, and when serving, heat carefully and quickly in a hot oven for a few minutes.
11. Serve with cold applesauce.