Potato pancakes, also known as latkes in Jewish cuisine or rösti in Swiss cuisine, are a delicious and versatile dish made from grated or shredded potatoes. Here’s a basic recipe for making potato pancakes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well)
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor. You can also shred them for a slightly different texture.
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will help your potato pancakes become crispy.
- Grate or finely chop the onion and add it to the grated potatoes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a batter.
- Add the grated potatoes and onions to the batter, and mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Take a scoop of the potato mixture and place it in the hot oil, flattening it slightly with a spatula to form a pancake shape. You can make them as large or small as you prefer.
- Fry the potato pancakes until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Once done, transfer the potato pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve the potato pancakes hot with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Potato pancakes can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course, depending on your preference. They are a classic comfort food and a delightful treat, especially when served with your favorite condiments or toppings.