Crispy Latkes

When I went to see my nutritionist last week for my weekly visit she said “OK, let’s talk Chanuka”  Traditionally we eat lots of fried and dairy foods on Chanuka with donuts being a big one.  And fried and donuts and dairy are all not conducive to weight loss.  I mean, all in moderation but on Chanuka there is no moderation.  All the bakeries in town are competing for the title of the most creative (outrageous) donut and its a time when folks are eating lots and lots of them, every day. So, my nutritionist was understandably wanting to discuss my donut intake. She told me I could have 2 the whole week.  But here is the thing – I’m not even enticed to have more – or even those.

But I do have a Chanuka problem – in the form of latkes.  Place a plate of fresh, crispy, hot latkes in front of me and I will have NO control. Ahh, the crispy, hot deliciousness is AMAZING.

The key to an incredible, perfect latke is the hot oil in the frying pan.  The  very first thing I do is pour a decent amount of oil into the pan and place on a medium heat, then I go about the rest of my preps.  This will ensure the oil is really hot and when you drop that first latke in the pan you will hear the most satisfying sizzle.

When it comes to the method of prep for the latkes, I prefer hand grating.  I feel like it gives and added texture to the latkes and an added crispness. Some prefer to blend all the ingredients.

Another tip is to work in small batches.  The only thing worse then a soggy latke is a black latke.  Grated potatoes oxidize fast and turn black.  So I prefer to work in small amounts,  The recipe listed below is the perfect amount to prep and fry before moving to another batch.

Print Recipe

Crispy Latkes

Prep Time

10 Min

Cook Time

15 Min

Servings

Latkes

Ingredients

• Canola Oil for frying
• 6 Medium Potaoes grated
• 1 onion grated
• 3 Large Eggs
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 TBSP olive oil

Prep Time 10 Min Cook Time 15 Min Servings Latkes Ingredients Canola Oil for frying 6 Medium Potaoes grated 1 onion grated 3 Large Eggs salt and pepper to taste 1 TBSP olive oil

Instructions

1. Place oil for frying into pan and heat on a medium flame.
2. Mix grated potatoes, onion, eggs, salt, pepper and oil.
3. Place one large spoonful of latke mix into the hot oil. If the oil is hot enough you will hear a nice sizzle. If not, wait a few moments before adding the second one.
4. Fill the pan with latkes, leaving some space in between.
5. Check latkes after 3/4 min and if they are browned then flip them over and brown on the other side.
6. Remove from heat and drain on paper towel.
7. Enjoy!

And while we are discussing latkes I firmly believe that they go perfectly well with ketchup – think fries – those are fried potatoes and we eat them with ketchup.  But everyone here thinks I’m nuts and latkes go with applesauce – I mean what even? So, ketchup or applesauce?