CLASSIC LATKES

Classic Latkes image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 12 latkes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/4 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled
1 small onion
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup matzo meal or all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil or rendered chicken fat, for frying
Applesauce and/or sour cream, for serving

Steps:

Grate the potatoes and onion on the large holes of a box grater into a colander set over a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, toss well and let stand 5 minutes. Squeeze handfuls of the mixture firmly with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. Blot dry with paper towels, then transfer to a large bowl.
Add the beaten egg and matzo meal or flour to the potato mixture and toss well to combine. Scoop 1/4 cupfuls of the mixture and tightly pack into thin 3- to 4-inch pancakes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 250˚. Heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil or chicken fat in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in three batches, fry the latkes until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side, reducing the heat as needed if the latkes are browning too quickly. Remove to a rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Keep warm in the oven while you make the remaining latkes. Serve with applesauce and/or sour cream.