Nov 6, 2007
5
reviews
Rate & Review

Classic Latkes

Author Joan Nathan likes her latkes with applesauce; we find them equally delectable with sour cream. Alternating between onion and potatoes when grating keeps the potatoes from darkening.
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Classic Latkes Credit: André Baranowski

1 medium yellow onion
3 large yukon gold potatoes (about 2 1⁄2
   lbs.), peeled
Kosher salt, to taste
6 tbsp. finely chopped chives
3 tbsp. plain matzo meal
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Canola oil for frying
Sour cream or applesauce

1. Working over a bowl, grate some of the onion, followed by some of the potatoes, on the large-hole side of a box grater. Repeat until all the vegetables are used up.

2. Sprinkle mixture with salt and transfer it to a sieve set over a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from mixture, allowing it to collect in bottom of bowl. Transfer mixture to another bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap; set aside. Set reserved potato liquid aside to let the milky white starch settle. Pour off liquid from starch. Transfer starch to mixture along with the chives, matzo, eggs, and salt and pepper. Gently mix.

3. Pour enough oil into a skillet that it reaches a depth of 1⁄4"; heat over medium-high heat. Working in small batches, form mixture into balls, using about 1⁄4 cup of the mixture for each, and place them in the oil. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula to form 3"–4" pancakes. Fry, turning once, until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Serve the potato pancakes with sour cream or applesauce.


SERVES 6

Classic Latkes

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #107

Ratings & Reviews (5)

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made them for most everyone in my family by now.  these are really good.
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I've been using this recipe for years; it's the best. It merits a 5-star except for the potatoes. I always use Russets. They are drier and much better for latkes. Plus they are larger and peeling goes faster. Don't even think of mixing potatoes with sweet potatoes. Use this recipe, but only with Russets. If potates are well scrubbed, there's no need to peel.
noAvatar
Made these for my 87 and 85 year old German/Jewish neighbors who both approved.
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I've made this twice now. My Jewish friends say it's just like Grandma used to make.
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Delicious - just like from my favorite deli, AND I agree with grillgramma - use Russets! It works out really well, they are not too starchy, they are fluffy, & just right!
Classic Latkes 5 5 5 5

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