Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Golden Potato Latkes?
They are traditional savory potato pancakes made from a blend of russet potatoes and sweet onions, fried until golden and crisp.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 3 lbs of russet potatoes for the best texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 5 to 7 servings.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A large sweet onion is recommended, about the size of a baseball for every 3 to 4 potatoes.
What is the best way to grate the vegetables?
Use a food processor or a salad shooter to grate the potatoes and onion finely for the ideal texture.
Why is it important to squeeze the potato-onion mixture?
Squeezing the mixture in cheesecloth removes excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
How long should I let the potato mixture drain?
The mixture should be allowed to drain for at least 15 minutes.
Should I discard the potato starch that settles at the bottom of the bowl?
No, you should retain the white potato starch and mix it with the egg and seasonings.
What acts as the binding agent for these latkes?
A combination of 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, a lightly beaten egg, and the retained potato starch acts as the binder.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet.
What types of oil are suitable for frying latkes?
Vegetable oil or peanut oil are both suitable for frying these latkes.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The oil is ready when it is shimmering over medium-high heat.
How much mixture should I use for each patty?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture to form each thin patty.
Should I use flour on the outside of the latkes?
Yes, you should lightly pat each patty in flour before dropping it into the hot oil.
How long do you fry each side of the latke?
Fry each side for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
How can I keep the latkes warm while finishing the batch?
Keep them on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the suggested toppings for potato latkes?
They are traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream or a side of apple sauce.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Freshly chopped parsley is suggested as a garnish.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 12g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these latkes?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 4.8g of protein.
Are these latkes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these latkes are vegetarian.
Which cuisine is this recipe associated with?
This recipe is associated with Jewish cuisine and is often served during holidays.
What is the secret to a crispy latke?
The secret is removing as much liquid as possible through cheesecloth and frying in hot, shimmering oil.
Can I make these latkes ahead of time?
While best served hot, they can be kept warm in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven while frying the remaining batches.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet onion, egg, flour, salt, pepper, parsley, and oil.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe suggests up to 4 teaspoons of kosher salt, but it should be adjusted to taste.
What temperature should the oven be for keeping them warm?
Set your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the egg for the recipe?
The egg should be lightly beaten before being added to the potato starch and seasonings.