I Love You a Latke
I'm not sorry for this incredibly cheesy pun. I do love latkes a lot, and so does any other reasonable person I know. In that same vein: EVERYONE, STOP TAGGING ME IN FANCY LATKE RECIPE FACEBOOK POSTS. NOT INTERESTED. My ideal latke is very simple, with no fancy ingredients and no pomp and circumstance. Just good, deep-fried comfort food.
Every latke is different, like a snowflake (but better, obviously) so adjust this recipe if need be. Sometimes you need a little more flour or another egg if the batter isn't binding correctly. Just make sure the pan is very hot and the oil is up to temperature before you start frying or your first latkes are going to come out oil-logged and nasty. Also, you can use the first batch as a tester to see if you need to add anything else.
Pro tip: I use my Cuisinart to shred all the potatoes and chop up the onion. It makes my life so much easier. If you have a food processor, use the round grater attachment for the potatoes and the normal blade for the onions. Mischief managed.
Ingredients:
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1 medium white onion, chopped fine but not minced
2 to 3 eggs
3 tbs. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Canola oil
Directions:
1. Combine grated potato and onion in a large colander. Set over a bowl and let drain for about 10 minutes, stirring and smashing the mixture occasionally to expedite the draining process. Don't worry that the potato turns pink, it'll be fine once you fry it.
2. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add to the potato mixture along with the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large frying pan, preferably NOT non-stick, over medium high heat until droplets of water sizzle and evaporate instantly. Add about 3 or 4 tbs. of canola oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan well and have a little extra and let heat briefly.
4. Add latke batter to the hot oil in about 1/4 c. scoops, flattening them down slightly as you go. Let cook for at least 2 to 3 minutes on each side, then flip. Let drain on newspaper or paper towels on top of a rack (prevents sogginess) and serve immediately with sour cream and applesauce and the knowledge that Jews are still running shit despite everything thrown in our way. Mic drop.
