The Best Potato Latkes Recipe Ever (Grandma's Secret!)

This guide will walk you through creating delicious latkes, covering everything from a traditional latke recipe to tips for making them the best potato latkes recipe ever. We'll even touch on the latkes origin and offer suggestions for a healthy latke recipe. This easy latke recipe is inspired by Grandma's potato latkes recipe, ensuring a taste of tradition with readily available latkes ingredients.

This recipe focuses on classic flavor and texture, making it a true traditional latke recipe and a contender for the best potato latkes recipe ever.

Yields: Approximately 12-15 latkes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20-30 minutes

Latkes Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or matzah meal for a more traditional, Passover-friendly version)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Vegetable oil or another neutral oil, for frying

Step 1: Grate the Potatoes and Onion

The key to great latkes starts with properly prepared potatoes.

Instructions:

1. Using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, grate the peeled potatoes and onion into a large bowl.

Step 2: Drain Excess Liquid

This step is crucial for crispy latkes. Too much moisture will result in soggy pancakes.

Instructions:

1. Transfer the grated potato and onion mixture to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Gather the edges of the towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. You'll be surprised how much water comes out!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, bring everything together to form the latke batter.

Instructions:

1. Return the squeezed potato and onion mixture to the bowl.
2. Add the flour (or matzah meal), beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Get your frying pan ready!

Instructions:

1. Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Heat the oil until it shimmers and a small drop of the potato mixture sizzles immediately when added.

Step 5: Fry the Latkes

Time to cook these golden delights!

Instructions:

1. Working in batches, drop about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture per latke into the hot oil. Gently flatten them with the back of a spoon.
2. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Carefully flip the latkes with a spatula.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Crispy and ready to enjoy!

Instructions:

1. Remove the cooked latkes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Your Jewish Latkes Recipe:

Traditionally, Jewish latkes recipe are served with:

• Applesauce
• Sour cream

You can also get creative with toppings like:

• Chives or scallions
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Fruit compotes

Making a Healthy Latke Recipe:

While traditionally fried, you can adapt this recipe for a healthy latke recipe:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared latke batter on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the latkes in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Lower Fat Ingredients: Consider using less oil in the pan or adding more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to reduce the amount of potato.

Keep in mind that while these methods reduce the fat content, the core latkes ingredients remain the same.

Latkes Origin:

The latkes origin is rooted in the historical context of Hanukkah. The tradition of eating fried foods during Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple lasting for eight days instead of just one. While early forms of fried potato pancakes existed, the modern potato latke became popular in Eastern Europe in the 19th century, as potatoes became more readily available. Before that, latkes were often made with cheese or buckwheat. Today, potato latkes are a beloved and central part of the Hanukkah celebration, a testament to tradition and deliciousness.

Enjoy making this easy latke recipe! We hope you agree that this is the best potato latkes recipe ever, just like Grandma used to make!