How to make the best Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

This is an old Russian recipe for potato pancakes, or latkes, that my grandmother used to make, much to the delight of the members of my family. They are super simple to make and everybody loves them. I have had potato pancakes in restaurants that varied in taste but none of them ever came close to the taste of my grandma's potato pancakes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and finely grated
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and finely grated
• 2 tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• dash of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (not olive oil) for frying
• sour cream and/or applesauce

1. Heat the oven to 250° so it will be ready to keep the potato pancakes warm as you finish cooking them.
   
   Place the grated potatoes and onion in a fine mesh strainer and push down gently with your hand or the back of a spoon to remove some of the excess moisture.

2. Beat together the flour, egg, salt and pepper. Stir in the grated potatoes and grated onion. Mix together just until you have a smooth batter. It should be thicker than a pancake batter. If too loose add a touch more flour.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Put a bit of batter in the pan to make sure the oil sizzles so you know it's hot enough. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter (depending on the size you prefer) in the frying pan, and use the back of the spoon to press down gently to shape them. You can fry several at a time but do not overcrowd the pan or the oil will cool too much and the pancakes will start to absorb the oil.

4. Cook until the potato pancakes begins to crisp around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes, then use a spatula to flip and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. When a batch is done put them on an oven proof platter and place in the warmed oven.

5. Continue making and frying the potato pancakes until all the batter is used. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

Tips & Warnings

• If serving for guests have both sour cream and applesauce on hand. People definitely seem to prefer one or the other with their potato pancakes. I personally would rather eat them plain than with applesauce, but others swear by the applesauce, so it's best to have both.

[georgedm]

on 9/27/2009 Great, easy recipe. Thanks!

[KaraDiablo]

on 9/21/2009 I love potato pancakes and your right applesauce is the the way to go. I really want to try this recipe.

[KaraDiablo]

on 9/21/2009 I love potato pancakes and your right applesauce is the the way to go. I really want to try this recipe.

[KaraDiablo]

on 9/21/2009 I love potato pancakes and your right applesauce is the the way to go. I really want to try this recipe.

[hollyskeen]

on 9/13/2009 I am going to make this with my kids next weekend!