Latkes/Potato Pancakes/Rosti Style

Dinners, Jewish, Lunch, Side Dishes

 

Latkes/Potato Pancakes/Rosti Style
Perfect for Hanukkah or any time of year, these latkes bring out the pure flavor of potato, because that is basically the only ingredient in them. Making latkes can be a last-minute nightmare, with overeager cooks putting too many patties in hot oil, thus taking longer to fry and resulting in a greasy mess. But these can be prepared in advance. This recipe, adapted from the chef Nathaniel Wade of the Outermost Inn (https://www.outermostinn.com/) on Martha’s Vineyard, starts with parbaked potatoes, which are cooled, grated, seasoned with just salt and pepper, pressed into patties and refrigerated, then fried just before serving. —Joan Nathan
Latkes with applesauce and sour cream dishes on table with menorah and dreidels
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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Jewish
Keyword: Comfort Food, Holiday, Potatoes, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 156kcal
Author: Chef Bill Collins

Ingredients

  • 4 large Idaho or russet potatoes, washed and dried
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Canola oil, for frying
  • 8 oz sliced smoked salmon (optional)
  • Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • PREPARATION
    Step 1
    Adjust the rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350 degrees. Bake the potatoes directly on the rack for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until they are hot throughout but still raw in the middle. Remove and let cool for about 30 minutes.
  • Step 2
    Slice the potatoes in half widthwise. Holding the curved peel side with one hand, grate the flat, flesh side of each piece using the large holes of a box grater. The grating process should open them up like a jacket, leaving you with potato skins perfect for frying later, if you’d like. (You could also use a food processor with a grating blade instead; just peel your potatoes beforehand.) Sprinkle the grated potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Step 3
    Take about 1/2 cup grated potato in your hands and gently squeeze between your palms to form a patty. Press the patty until about 1/2- inch thick and carefully set the latke on a plate. Repeat with the remaining grated potatoes to make about 8 latkes. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnight.
  • Step 4
    Just before serving, heat a large, heavy skillet with about 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium-high. When it is hot, a shred of potato dropped into the oil should sizzle. Working in two batches, gently fry four latkes until crisp and deep golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels or a paper bag to drain, and repeat with remaining latkes.
  • Step 5
    Serve hot, with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite garnish
Nutrition Facts
Latkes/Potato Pancakes/Rosti Style
Amount per Serving
Calories
156
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.4
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
303
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
658
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
 
26
g
9
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
 
34
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
23
mg
2
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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