Meatballs and Potatoes
- Easy
- 2 h 10 min
- Kcal 428
Latkes are, you know, the kind of food that really brings people together. Especially during Hanukkah—everyone gets excited about these crispy latkes frying in oil. Really, they're amazing. In Jewish homes, these golden potato pancakes aren't just about taste; they're about tradition too. Kids help grate potatoes, and adults add onions for that extra bite. It is a group effort, you know? The result? You get these tender, slightly crispy edges that are seriously good—everyone reaches for them first. And look, unlike Swiss rösti, Jewish potato latkes are almost always served with toppings like sour cream, smoked salmon, or fresh dill. Which is great. Each bite's a little different. Sharing them with family during the Festival of Lights makes the meal feel special, especially since frying in oil is part of remembering the holiday’s story.
No matter where you are, people put their own spin on the traditional latke recipe. But the classic style? Hard to beat. With homemade Hanukkah latkes, you get that moist middle and the crispy outer part that just melts in your mouth. People might argue about onions or applesauce versus sour cream, but that’s all part of the fun, really. For sure. These Jewish potato pancakes are easy to pass around at parties or as appetizers. The smell of them cooking—oh man—instantly makes any gathering feel warm and inviting. Thing is, when people talk about the best food for celebrating, this easy latke recipe always comes up. No need for fancy stuff; just simple, tasty ingredients working together. Pretty simple. And for anyone who loves classic latke preparation, these are so, so good you’ll want to make extra. They disappear fast. It’s the kind of dish that fills the room with laughter and good vibes—every bite a little celebration of its own. Seriously, can't go wrong with these.
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To prepare the latkes, peel the potatoes and grate them using a grater with large holes 1. Place the grated potatoes in a sieve placed over a bowl and let them rest for 10-15 minutes 2: this way, they will lose their moisture and not turn black 3.
Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and add the egg 4, salt, pepper 5, and nutmeg 6.
Finally, add the flour 7 and mix everything with a spoon 8. Pour about 1 inch of extra virgin olive oil into a saucepan and bring it to a temperature of 340°F, then add a few spoonfuls of the mixture at a time 9.
Fry for 3-4 minutes in total, turning the pancakes on both sides 10. When they are nicely golden, drain them on absorbent paper 11. Your latkes are ready to be served hot, accompanied by sour cream with dill 12!