Potato Pancakes Recipe

2 min read 26-01-2025

Potato pancakes, or latkes, are a delicious and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a festive addition to your holiday table, this recipe will guide you to crispy, golden-brown perfection. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste, allowing for creative variations.

Ingredients:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated (using a box grater is recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, finely grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or more, as needed)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

Preparing the Potato Mixture:

Grate the potatoes and onion: Use a box grater to grate the potatoes and onion. This ensures a finer texture than using a food processor, leading to crispier pancakes. It’s crucial to grate them coarsely, not too finely.
Drain excess moisture: This is a critical step. Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. The drier the mixture, the crispier your pancakes will be.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potato and onion mixture with the beaten eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Gently mix until just combined; don't overmix.

Frying the Potato Pancakes:

Heat the oil: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
Fry the pancakes: Using a 1/4 cup measure (or a spoon), drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with a spatula. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain excess oil: Once cooked, remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Potato pancakes are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings:

Sour cream or crème fraîche: A classic and creamy accompaniment.
Applesauce: A sweet and tart contrast to the savory pancakes.
Chives or green onions: For a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Smoked salmon and dill: For a more sophisticated appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes:

Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will result in tough pancakes.
Squeeze out as much moisture as possible: This is key to achieving crispy pancakes.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the pancakes in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.

Enjoy your homemade potato pancakes! They're best served fresh and hot.