Potato Latkes

Potato Latkes, or pancakes, are traditionally served at Channukah in Ashkenazic Jewish homes. Fried foods of all sorts are served during Channukah, reminiscent of the miracle of the pure olive oil which lasted for eight days. This recipe was adapted by my daughter, Rachel, and her husband Ernest, from one in Bon Appetit, December 1995. Our family likes to eat these with homemade applesauce.

Ingredients

Line a large bowl with a towel (or paper towel). Grate potatoes and onions in the bowl of a food processor, then process potatoes and onion using the metal blade ( until coarsely ground; do not puree). Transfer to the towel. Fold the towel up around mixture; twist the top of the towel, squeezing out all the liquid into the bowl. Let the liquid stand 5 minutes. Pour off theliquid, reserving any potato starch in the bowl. Add the grated potatoes to the bowl. Mix in eggs, flour, salt, pepper and baking powder.

Heat 6 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, drop 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of batter per pancake into the hot oil. Using the back of a spoon, spread to 3 to 3 1/2-inch rounds. Cook until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter, spooning off any liquid from the surface of the batter and adding more oil to the skillet by tablespoonfuls as necessary. Serve hot. Makes about 24.

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