How to Make Latkes
User Reviews
5
How to Make Latkes
Description
How to Make Latkes brings together shredded potatoes and onions, bound with egg and matzo meal, for a crisp yet tender texture. The potatoes are first soaked in lemon-infused cold water to prevent browning, then thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture. Shaping the potato mixture into flattened rounds and frying them in hot oil yields latkes with crunchy outsides and soft, flavorful centers. The recipe highlights attention to moisture control for the right fry and texture balance.
The recipe pairs classic potato latkes with a twist in the form of cardamom apple sauce, which adds a subtle warm spice contrast to the savory pancakes. Fresh chives and sour cream add brightness and richness respectively, rounding out the flavors. These latkes can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, especially during holidays or comfort food meals.
A practical tip is to periodically drain excess moisture released during cooking from the bowl to maintain the batter's consistency. Using fresh lemon juice in the soaking water helps keep potatoes from discoloring, keeping the latkes visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 lb russet potatoes about 2-3 large, weight recommended
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1 egg large, lightly beaten
- 3 Tbsp matzo meal you can also use breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper fresh cracked, to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
- chives fresh, snipped
- sour cream for serving
cardamom apple sauce
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the lemon juice.
- Peel and cut the potatoes in quarters. Shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade. You can also do this with a box grater if you need to. Immediately put the grated potatoes into the cold water to stop them from browning.
- Grate the onions but don't put them in the water. Gather the potatoes and onions into a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess moisture. Take the time to get out as much liquid as you can. Discard the liquid and put the potatoes and onions into a mixing bowl.
- Using your hands, gently toss the potatoes and onions with the egg, matzo meal, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything gets well mixed.
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large cast iron skillet until hot. You'll know it's ready when a bit of potato sizzles on contact with the oil. Scoop out 1/4 cup of the potato mixture (I used an ice cream scoop) and gently pat down to a flat round shape. Don't worry if some of the potato shreds spray out from the sides, that's a good thing! Gently ease the latke into the hot oil and fry for about 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Add more oil as necessary, and remove any loose bits from the oil so they don't burn.You may need to do a test latke to make sure you've got the right temperature.
- Drain the latkes on paper towels, and keep warm in a low oven if necessary.
- Serve showered with snipped chives, along with cardamom applesauce and sour cream.
cardamom apple sauce
- Mix the applesauce with the caramom and adjust the amount of spice to your taste.
Notes
- Drain any excess moisture released during preparation to keep consistency firm for frying.
- Soak shredded potatoes in lemon water immediately after grating to prevent browning.
- Pat the potato mixture dry thoroughly with a clean towel to avoid soggy latkes.
- Use a heavy skillet such as cast iron for even frying and better heat retention.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12latkes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 71 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 71kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 202mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 268mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 26IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
