Latkes!
Latkes!

A dish as old as time, or at least the mid 1800’s, latkes are an and easy dish to make that will leave your tummy full and taste buds happy.

Otherwise known as potato pancakes, latkes are traditionally associated with Jewish cuisine, but let us throw in a little known fact here: according to PBS, latkes actually descend from Italian pancakes that were made with ricotta cheese. Mmmm. Ricotta.

We figured we’d stick with the potato pancakes and had chef Johnny Oran of Licia Ruby Food Company guide you through an easy recipe that will fill you up. The great thing about this recipe is you can save the extra batter in the fridge and make the latkes whenever you get a craving.

More latkes!
More latkes!

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds unpeeled russet potatoes (about 5 large potatoes)
  • 1 pound yellow onions (about 2 medium onions)
  • 1/4 cup matzo meal
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup (or more) vegetable oil

Equipment

  • food processor with grating blade or box grater
  • 2 large wire cooling racks
    2 large rimmed baking sheet

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 250°F. Set racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Place wire cooling racks in the rimmed baking sheets and place in the oven.
  • Using a food processor with a grating insert, grate the potatoes and then the onions, transferring grated vegetables to a large bowl when the bowl of the food processor is filled. Alternately, use a box grater.
  • Working in batches, place the potatoes and onions in a clean dishtowel and thoroughly wring out the excess liquid over the sink, then transfer the potato-onion mixture to a large bowl. The more liquid you remove, the crispier your latkes will be, so take your time and use several dish towels if necessary.
Potato pancakes....err.....latkes!
Potato pancakes….err…..latkes!
  • Reserve the potato-onion mixture.
  • In another large bowl, whisk together the matzo meal, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the eggs and whisk to combine.
  • Add the potato-onion mixture and mix well.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt equal parts schmaltz and oil (or oil only if omitting the schmaltz) until a scant 1/4-inch depth of fat is reached.
  • Drop 2 tablespoons of latke mixture into the hot fat, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Flatten latkes slightly using a spatula and cook, turning once, until crisp, golden brown, and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer latkes to wire racks and season with salt; return to the oven to keep warm; season with salt.
  • As you remove latkes from the pan, replace them with fresh spoonfuls of potato mixture to maintain oil temperature.
How about we put some happy little salmon right here...
How about we put some happy little salmon right here…

Place onto a platter, and garnish with cured salmon (smoked salmon), salmon roe, dill, horseradish cream and hard boiled eggs. Did we say horseradish cream? Yes we did! To make it from scratch yourself, in a bowl whip together these ingredients until light peaks are formed:

  • ½ cup of 35% cream
  • 2 tbsp of sherry vinegar
  • ¼ of horseradsh
  • Pinch of salt

Enjoy!