Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are a crispy and savory dish made from grated potatoes, onions, and simple seasonings, fried until golden brown. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes are a comforting, crunchy treat loved by many. The combination of tender potatoes on the inside and a crisp, golden exterior creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you coming back for more. Serve them with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite topping for a versatile meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or applesauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by peeling the potatoes and grating them using a coarse grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl filled with cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
- After grating, transfer the potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispy pancakes.
- Grate the onion and add it to the bowl with the potatoes. The onion adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the pancakes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg until beaten and then add it to the potato-onion mixture.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, spoon a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon to form a pancake.
- Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, so work in batches if necessary.
- After frying, place the potato pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor, if desired.
- Serve your crispy potato pancakes hot, with sour cream, applesauce, or any topping of your choice.
These potato pancakes can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with a light salad for a full meal. Whether you’re serving them during a holiday feast or on a regular weeknight, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them the perfect comfort food to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish and savor the simple yet delicious flavors of homemade potato pancakes!