Latkes

By rsaitz

This recipe doubles well, but use only 3 eggs instead of 4. Latkes are at their very best fresh out of the oil, but they can be kept warm briefly (long enough to finish frying subsequent batches) on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet in a 300-degree oven. Applesauce and sour cream are the traditional accompaniments.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled
• 1 medium onion, peeled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• Corn, vegetable, or canola oil, 1/2 inch deep in the skillet

Details

Servings 10
Adapted from boston.com

Preparation

Step 1

Using the coarse grating disk in a food processor or the large holes on a box grater, grate the potatoes and onion. In a colander, briefly rinse the grated mixture under cool running water. Spread a clean kitchen towel on work surface, place the potatoes and onion in the center of the towel, gather the edges and corners, and twist hard over a sink to wring out as much liquid as possible. Empty the potatoes and onion into a large bowl, break up with a wooden spoon, add the eggs, baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.

In a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) set over medium-high heat, heat the oil until it begins to ripple. Working carefully, test the heat of the oil by dropping in about 1 teaspoon of the potato mixture and gently pressing with a heat-proof spatula to make a quarter-sized latke -- it should sizzle instantly, but not violently. Fry for about 1¼ minutes on each side, remove it from the oil, drain on a paper-towel-lined plate, and taste for seasoning. Adjust the potato mixture with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Scoop a scant ¼ cup of the potato mixture into the skillet, press gently with the heat-proof spatula to form a round, flat cake; repeat until pan is filled, leaving about 1 inch between the latkes. Cook until the latkes are deep golden brown on both sides, about 4½ minutes, not moving the latkes except to flip them once halfway through the cooking time; adjust the heat as necessary. Remove the latkes to a paper-towel-lined plate, drain briefly, and serve at once (or keep warm in the oven while frying subsequent batches -- you may need to replenish the oil in the skillet).

Variation
Latkes with Carrot and Dill Follow the recipe for Latkes, substituting ½ pound (about 3 medium) grated carrots for half of the potatoes and adding 5 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill to the potato mixture.