Get Your Latke On: A Classic Recipe for Hanukkah

Hanukkah is almost here, and you know what that means… it's latke time! These crispy potato pancakes are a must-have for any Hanukkah celebration. Whether you top them with applesauce, sour cream, or both (no judgment here!), there's something undeniably delicious about a perfectly fried latke.

But let's be honest, sometimes latkes can be a bit finicky. Soggy latkes? No, thank you! That's why we're sharing our tried-and-true recipe for classic crispy latkes that will have your family and friends begging for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 medium onion, peeled
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or matzo meal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prep those potatoes: Grate the potatoes and onion using the large holes of a box grater or the grating disc of a food processor.
2. Squeeze it out: This is the key to crispy latkes! Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible over a sink.  
   
   1. Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes and onion with the eggs, flour (or matzo meal), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   2. Heat things up: Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small amount of the latke mixture – it should sizzle immediately.
   3. Fry 'em up: Drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening each latke slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   4. Drain and serve: Remove the latkes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite toppings!

   Latke Tips from the Pros:

   • Potato Power: Russet potatoes are the MVPs of latke-making thanks to their high starch content.
   • Don't Overdo It: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough latkes.
   • Batch it Up: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to ensure crispy perfection.
   • Stay Warm: Keep cooked latkes warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish frying the rest.

   Topping Ideas:

   • Applesauce (sweet or tart)
   • Sour cream
   • Smoked salmon
   • Guacamole
   • Crème fraîche with chives

   Happy Hanukkah! We hope you enjoy these delicious latkes. Want more free content and free printables like this latke recipe card? Register for our newsletter and get a dose of Jewish inspiration delivered straight to your inbox! Don't forget to share your latke creations with us on @jewselry_world!