You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this traditional Jewish dish of potato latkes. In fact, this is a great dish for anyone to easily make for any meal, Jews and Gentiles alike! Latkes are basically potato pancakes fried in oil and use just a few basic ingredients and taste delicious.
To get started, peel and shred some potatoes until you have two cups of shredded pieces. Or if you like, you can also use frozen hash browns from a bag. After shredding your potatoes, wrap them in cheesecloth or just a clean, absorbent dish towel and squeeze them hard to get as much of the water out as possible.
Place your potato shreds in a bowl along with a tablespoon of grated or very finely minced onion and two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Also beat three eggs and add that to the mixture along with a teaspoon or so of salt. Mix all this together well and you're ready to start frying!
Get a large skillet with a heavy bottom and heat up one quarter to a half cup of oil depending on the size of your pan; you want enough oil in there to cover the entire bottom and then some. Use an oil that is well suited to high heat frying like peanut or coconut oil and avoid using more "fragile" oils like extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil hot, start grabbing handfuls of your potato mixture, form into patties and carefully add them to the hot oil. Flip the patties when they are golden brown on the first side and remove to a paper towel covered plate when the second side is done as well.
Hot, crispy and delicious latkes are now yours to devour! Traditional toppings for this potato treat include applesauce, green onions or sour cream, but use whatever you like! These are great for breakfast or brunch, but can also be served with dinner or just as a snack!
Whether you're a Gentile like me or a Jew, let me know what you think of potato pancakes and if you have any variations on this recipe you'd like to share!