happy hanukkah

Latkes
Earlier in the week I did the annual ritual of making latkes.  The whole house smells like potato pancakes.  I even smelled like potato pancakes when I woke up in the morning.  But they are so good.  Besides the gelt which is a must too, I have to make the latkes. 

Here is the only problem with this recipe, I do it off the top of my head.  A little of this and that until it looks and feels right.  I also use the Cuisinart grater to make life much easier.

5 Yukon Gold potatoes (shredded with the skin too)

1 whole sweet onion (shredded)

1/4-1/2 cup matzah meal (I realized that I didn't have any so I used the package out of the matzo ball mix)

2 eggs

Kosher salt

Really mix this all together.  If there appears to be too much liquid, throw some more matzo meal in. 

In a deep pan put about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil.  Get it really hot.  Make the pancakes with your hand.  Make sure you really squeeze out the liquid so the pancake holds together.  Put it in the oil.  Flip when browned on one side and then brown the other.  Put the pancakes on either a brown paper bag or a paper towel to sop up the grease.  I kept them warm in the oven around 180 to make sure they were also cooked thoroughly. 

Serve with applesauce, sour cream and I made a brisket on the side.  A real treat. 

Comments (Archived):

  1. Mike Hart

    With all of the great low fat stuff coming out of your kitchen I hope Fred gets an annual physical.

    1. Gotham Gal

      ha! yes, we all do.

  2. ErikSchwartz

    Good with crème fraiche and caviar too.

    1. Gotham Gal

      Definitely more decadent but perfect

  3. elaineellis

    I’d love a blog post on the tools you rely on. The Cuisinart grater, what mixer, do you use a mandoline, preferred grill, etc. It’d be nice to know what you think is worth the investment and what have you found to be over-hyped.

  4. Liz Rueven

    My husband loves his latkes with sauce from meat: roasted chicken, brisket, meatballs, anything. But i love to make apple/pear sauce with the local fruit still in abundance at this season. Simmer any mix of apples and pears with 1-2 Tb. of agave or sugar and enough water to cover them in the pot. Give them about 30 minutes on a low simmer and taste. You will never buy jarred applesauce to accompany your hard earned latkes again!

  5. CCjudy

    I made my latkes with panko and flour and russets and onion. My last cooking was not good as added too much flour and it browned too quick and was really uncooked. I try to use small amount of oil. Also I make applesauce and that is so good. Thank you and happy hannukah to you and your family Judy

  6. rebeccastees

    happy hanukkah!

  7. Sunchowder

    Happy Hannukah! I adore Latkes and your’s look so yummy in that pan 🙂

    1. Gotham Gal

      figured the latkes in the pan made for a more interesting shot!

  8. ShanaC

    Happy Channukah!Tip reported by the WSJ- squeeze the potatoes to get the excess liquid out before adding the other ingredients – apparently it makes them fluffier (it also may cut part of your matza meal)Also good – sweet potato latkes…mmmm

    1. Gotham Gal

      good tip!