Ultra-Crispy Latkes for Hanukkah (Potato Pancakes)

We're rolling into the cozy season with a traditional favorite, potato latkes with homemade applesauce. This recipe is all about celebrating the unpretentious potato and the simple pleasure of a perfectly fried pancake. Potato latkes, or lackeys as some like to call them, have a rich Jewish history, associated specifically with Hanukkah. Kids love them, adults crave them, and everyone has their own family recipe passed down through generations. But today, we're sidestepping the latke dogma and focusing on crafting something simple and satisfying.

Russet potatoes, known for their low moisture and high starch content, are the heart of this dish. Grated into long, beautiful strands, they blend with all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and the classic duo of salt and pepper to form the batter. But the magic really starts when these potato pancakes hit a hot pan generously filled with a mix of neutral oil and chicken fat. The result? Crispy, golden brown latkes with a wispy, shoestring-like rim and a hearty, potato-rich center. Served with a side of sweet homemade applesauce, it's a Hanukkah treat that promises a delicious trip down memory lane. 🤘🏼 Adam

Yield: 8-10 Latkes

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Ultra-Crispy Latkes For Hanukkah (Potato Pancakes)

Cook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 Hour

Ingredients

Latkes

• 4 Russet Potatoes, grated
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup All-purpose Flour
• Kosher Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste
• Neutral Oil, for frying
• 2 Tbsp Chicken Fat, for frying

Apple Sauce

• 4 Apples, peeled and cored and sliced
• 1/3 cup Water
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Instructions

1. Begin with preparing the applesauce. Peel and dice apples and add them to a saucepan over medium heat. Add a bit of water, cover with a lid, and let them cook for 10-15 minutes or until they begin to look translucent. Turn off the heat and blend the apples until pureed. Transfer the sauce to a container and place in the fridge to cool.
2. Move on to the potatoes. Peel and grate them using a food processor or a box grater.
3. In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. For frying, use a combination of a neutral oil and chicken fat. Pour the fat into a wide pan with high sides and heat it to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit over medium-high heat.
5. Grab a handful of the potato mixture, lightly squeeze out any excess moisture, and shape into a small pancake. Carefully place it into the hot oil and fry until deeply golden brown.
6. Sprinkle the cooked latkes with a bit of salt. Continue frying the remaining potato mixture.
7. Serve the latkes warm with the homemade applesauce and creme fresh if desired. Enjoy!

Adam's Notes

• This recipe makes 8-10 medium sized latkes.
• Sweet apples work the best for apple sauce, better than the sour variety.
• Sour cream is good, creme fraiche is better. Try making it yourself, it’s very easy. Peep the full video and grab the recipe here.

Stuff that I Use:

Breville Sous Chef 16

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