No food says Hanukkah more than the latke, it can be made as many ways as there are Bubbies. My mother's latke recipe was handed down from her mother Jennie: grated potatoes, eggs, a a handful of matzo meal, salt and pepper, fried in lots and I mean lots of oil, so much that you could smell the latkes cooking before you got off the elevator to her apartment. I remember watching my grandmother peel and grate the potatoes by hand. Me, I like to keep the skin on and use my food processor.
When making latkes there is always discussion about the right way to make them...russet or yellow, flour or matzo meal, onions or no onions, processed or grated, corn or peanut oil...I still try and follow my grandmother's recipe but with something a little extra...I add sweet potatoes for a for colour and a crunchy texture. I think this makes a really pretty latke.
At Hanukkah time my mother and her brother Syd each had their own plate of latkes, my mother said she would eat six latkes and more if she was allowed. I am not sure if I could eat six, but I know that Zachary and Gordy could. Now off to make some apple sauce.
Chag Sameach and Happy Hanukkah.
Lacy Latkes
This recipe makes about 20 to 25 latkes that are crispy with golden edges and moist interiors.
Ingredients
8 medium potatoes, peeled (russet)
1 small sweet potato, peeled (optional), sometimes I use and sometimes I don’t!
2 onions, finely chopped
3 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup matzo meal, you might need more depending of the size of your potatoes
salt and pepper to taste (lots)
vegetable oil for frying
applesauce and sour cream for topping
Directions
Using a food processor with your grating blade, grate the potatoes. Try and squeeze out as much liquid as you can but I do not work to hard at this.
Add potatoes to a very large bowl and add in the onion, egg, matzo meal, salt and pepper.
In a large frying pan heat oil over medium heat, make sure to add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
Add a big spoonful of latke mixture into the hot pan - do not overload the pan, I like to cook four at a time for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden. Make sure to push them down with your spatula. and cook or until golden brown. You will need to add more oil between batches. (Don't be afraid to use too much oil).
Drain well paper towels, (you will need a lot of these).
If not serving right away they can be reheated or I like to make them a few days ahead and put in the freezer. When reheating place the frozen latkes on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes at 400 F until hot. Drain well on paper towels.
Serve with home-made apple sauce and sour cream.