Hanukkah Latkes: The Golden Ratio

I originally posted my latke recipe in 2011, but I’ve continued to tweak it in my own kitchen every year. And now, I have finally achieved what I call The Golden Ratio (potatoes : salt : binders) that produces the best formed and tastiest latkes. A few other tips and techniques make latke production as efficient and reliable as it can be. But if anyone has tricks for eliminating lingering latke smell from a kitchen (or a head of hair), please send them my way!

This recipe makes approximately 18 latkes. A reasonable serving size is 3-4 per person. If you want to double the recipe, I recommend making 2 consecutive batches. If you double the potato mixture up front, it will oxidize and turn black before you’re able to fry it all. And while oxidization doesn’t affect the flavor, it certainly affects appearances, as my sisters love to remind me!

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 egg whites, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 teaspoons of salt. 

Using the small holes of a box grater or food processor grating attachment, grate 1 yellow or white onion and 3 russet potatoes. I don’t find it necessary to peel the potatoes first. Although most latkes are made using large gratings, I think the smaller ones give a better texture – crisp latkes will first shatter and then melt in the mouth. So satisfying!

This next step is so important – please don’t skip it like I used to. Transfer the gratings to a thin kitchen towel or cheese cloth and squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can. To prevent the potato juices from discoloring your towel, rinse it after wringing.

You don’t have to go crazy, but you’ll be surprised by how much liquid is released. And the less liquid that is in the latkes, the less they will splatter when they’re added to hot oil. And the less they splatter, the cleaner your kitchen!

Dump the gratings into the bowl and mix it all together with your hands. Transfer the mixture to a strainer set over a bowl to catch additional drippings. 

Heat about 1 centimeter of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. When a piece of the potato sizzles, it’s ready to go. Also, if you happen to have duck fat or schmaltz around, add a dollop into the vegetable oil for nice flavor. For speed, I recommend frying in two skillets at once. Measure 1/4 cup of the latke mixture, then compress it into a patty with your hands, squeezing out any remaining liquid. Put the patty into the skillet, and keep on going until the skillet is full.

When you see the potato browning on the edges and you have good color, flip the latkes over to cook on the other side. If you’re preparing your latkes in advance, I recommend cooking them to a lighter color than you’d otherwise want, like I did here. It gives you flexibility to heat them to a golden crisp in the oven later without burning them.

When cooked, I like to transfer the latkes to a cooling rack set over paper towels. The air circulation helps keep them crisp. But you could also put them straight onto paper towels. If you’re making a second batch, skim any burning bits out of the oil. Also feel free to add more oil, if it starts to run low.

Serve your latkes with a side of high-quality apple sauce.

Shopping list:

  • Russet potatoes – 3
  • Onion – 1
  • Eggs – 3
  • Flour – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – 2 teaspoons
  • Vegetable oil
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Comments

Hanukkah Latkes: The Golden Ratio — 1 Comment

  1. Hello! I love your Philly pretzel recipe! It transports me back to my hometown every time I make them here in Colorado and that was such a gift in 2020 when traveling back was not an option. Which mixer do you use? I have ruined the motor of my 7 qt Kitchenaid and customer service informed me I am never to go above a speed of 2 and never for more than 2 minutes. Thanks.

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