Print

Traditional Crispy Latkes Recipe

A stack of three perfectly golden and crispy Latkes, showing shredded potato texture, served on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make perfect, golden-brown potato pancakes for Hanukkah or any time. This recipe yields latkes that are crispy outside and tender inside, not greasy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and onion. Grate them using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating disc.
  2. Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Wrap tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is key for crispy latkes. Discard the liquid.
  3. Transfer the dried potato and onion mixture to a medium bowl.
  4. Add the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the potato mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works well) and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches about 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  6. Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form pancakes about 1/2 inch thick. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  7. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the latkes with a slotted spoon or spatula and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve immediately with your preferred toppings, such as sour cream or applesauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispness, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of matzo meal for the flour.
  • If your mixture seems too wet after squeezing, add one more tablespoon of flour.
  • To keep latkes warm while frying the rest, place them on a baking sheet in a 200 degree F oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/latkes-crispy-recipe-hanukkah-pancakes/