Potato Pancakes

Potato Pancakes—also known as latkes (in Jewish cuisine) or kartoffelpuffer (in German cuisine)—are crispy, golden-fried pancakes made primarily from grated potatoes. They’re a comforting, simple dish that can be served sweet or savory.

Here’s a classic recipe to get you started:

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🥔 Classic Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Ingredients:

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled

• 1 small onion

• 1 large egg

• 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or matzo meal)

• 1 tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)

Optional toppings:

• Sour cream

• Applesauce

• Chives

• Smoked salmon

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor. Use the coarse side for texture.

2. Remove excess moisture: Wrap the mixture in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. (This step is key for crispiness!)

3. Mix the grated potatoes/onion with egg, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.

4. Heat oil (about ¼ inch deep) in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly into pancakes.

6. Fry until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per side.

7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your preferred toppings.

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🔄 Variations:

• Add garlic, herbs, or cheese to the mix.

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.

• Make them mini-sized for appetizers.

Would you like a version that’s gluten-free, baked instead of fried, or from a specific cuisine?