Crunchy Potato Latkes Recipe Recipe For Hand

CLASSIC POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Before you begin making the latkes, place your wire cooling rack close to the area where you will be frying the latkes. Place a layer of paper towels below the cooling rack to catch excess oil. Cut the potatoes into large chunks and shred using a hand grater or food processor shredding attachment with large holes (large shreds). I really recommend using the food processor, it saves a ton of time and will help you avoid tears when grating the onion.
• Place grated potato into a bowl and immediately cover with cold water.
• Meanwhile, grate the onion using the grater or food processor attachment with fine holes (small shreds).
• Drain the potato shreds in a colander. Rinse and dry the bowl used to soak the shreds and set aside.
• Place drained potato shreds and grated onion in the center of a clean tea towel or multiple layers of cheesecloth.
• Wrap the shreds up in the cloth, twisting the cloth to secure the bundle, and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid from the shreds.
• Pour potato and onion into the clean dry bowl. Stir the shreds with a fork to make sure the grated onion is evenly mixed throughout the potato shreds.
• In a skillet, add oil to reach a depth of 1/8 inch. If using schmaltz, add 1/4 cup to the oil. The schmaltz will add more savory flavor to the latkes. Heat slowly over medium to about 365 degrees F. While oil is heating, use the fork to stir the matzo meal, beaten eggs, potato starch, salt and pepper into the potato and onion shreds. Add salt and pepper to taste; I add about 1 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. You can sprinkle on more salt to taste after cooking, if desired. Take care to make sure the egg and seasonings are fully mixed throughout the potato shreds.
• Scoop up 3 tbsp of the potato mixture and shape into a tightly compacted disk.Place the disk carefully into the hot oil. Latkes can break apart at this point, they're very delicate. If you can get them into the hot oil in one piece, chances are they will stick together - frying them is like the "glue" that holds them together. It takes a gentle touch, and it may take you some practice to get the "feel" for it.The oil should sizzle, but not pop when the latke hits it; if the oil jumps wildly or smokes, it is too hot. If it only bubbles weakly, the oil is not hot enough. Use the first latke to test the oil temperature, and don't fry a whole batch until the temperature is right.
• Continue shaping the latkes in this way, using 3 tablespoons of potato mixture for each latke. Fry in batches of 4-5 latkes at a time (no more than that - don't crowd the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side until brown and crispy.
• Remove the latkes from the pan using a metal spatula and place them on the wire cooling rack to drain.I recommend serving latkes fresh within 10 minutes of frying them, if your cooking schedule permits. If you need to make them ahead, fry them 2 hours or less before serving. You can also freeze them if you're not serving them right away.
• To Reheat Latkes: Place them on an ungreased, unlined cookie sheet. To reheat from room temperature, place in a 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes (7 if using a convection oven), until heated through, just prior to serving. From frozen, it can take 15-25 minutes to reheat. Sprinkle with more salt, if desired, and serve latkes with applesauce and/or sour cream (or dairy free sour cream).

POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Line a large plate with paper towels and set it aside. Place a large skillet on a burner and add enough oil to reach a depth of about half an inch. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
• Add the potatoes, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is distributed evenly.
• Test the heat of the oil by putting a small amount of the mixture in the oil. If it sizzles and fries immediately, the oil is hot enough.
• Use a large spoon to scoop up some of the mixture (about 1/3 cup). Press it into the spoon so everything will stick together. Gently slip it into the oil. Use the back of the spoon to press down lightly on top of the latke to flatten it out a little. Continue adding latkes to the skillet until you have 6 cooking.
• Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes on one side. When golden brown, flip each latke over and cook for another 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown on that side as well. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
• When the first batch is done, cook the rest of the latkes. There should be approximately 6 more. When done, remove the latkes to the plate. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings.

CRISPY POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large mixing bowl with a clean dish towel. Position the box grater in the bowl and grate the potatoes and onion using the largest holes. Bundle the towel and wring out the excess water into the bowl. The more moisture you release, the crispier the latkes will be. Discard the liquid.
• Heat duck fat, schmaltz, or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350 degrees F). Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix grated potatoes and onion with 2 eggs, flour, matzo meal, and salt until there's no visible flour. If the mixture seems dry and it's not holding together, add one more egg.
• Using your hands, form the latke mixture into golf ball-sized balls, then flatten slightly into thick pancakes. Gently place them one at a time into the oil, which should bubble around the latke but not burn the edges. Fill the pan with just enough latkes so they don't overcrowd the pan (you'll probably get about a half-batch in). Fry until golden on one side, 1-2 minutes. Flip and fry the other side until golden, 1-2 more minutes.
• Remove latkes to a wire rack fitted over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Finish cooking the inside by baking, 10-12 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with sour cream and applesauce.