Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Crispy Potato and Green Onion Latkes?
They are light, savory, and crispy potato pancakes flavored with green onions, based on a family recipe cherished for over 30 years.
What kind of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of peeled red potatoes.
How do I prepare the potatoes for grating?
Grate the peeled red potatoes using the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor for convenience.
How long should the grated potatoes soak in water?
Soak them in cold water for a minimum of 8 hours, though soaking for up to 2 days is ideal for the best results.
Why is it important to soak the grated potatoes?
Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving a light and crispy texture.
How do I ensure the potato mixture is dry enough before mixing?
After draining the potatoes, use your hands to firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible to ensure the mixture stays dry.
What ingredients are used as binders for the latkes?
The mixture is bound together using one lightly beaten large egg and 3 tablespoons of flour or matzo meal.
Can I substitute flour with another ingredient for binding?
Yes, matzo meal can be used as a substitute for flour in this latke recipe.
What seasonings are recommended for these latkes?
Use 2-4 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 2 teaspoons of black pepper, or adjust the amount to your personal taste.
How can I add extra spice to the potato latkes?
You can customize the flavor and add a kick of spice by adding cayenne and garlic powder to the mixture.
What fresh greens are added to the potato mixture?
Finely chopped green onions and optional fresh parsley are folded into the mixture for added flavor.
What is the best way to fry the latkes in a pan?
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it is shimmering but not smoking before adding the batter.
How much batter should I use for each individual latke?
Spoon a heaping tablespoonful of the potato mixture into the hot oil for each pancake.
Should I flatten the latkes while they are in the pan?
Yes, flatten each spoonful slightly using a fork, which helps create rustic and crispy uneven edges.
How long do the latkes need to cook on each side?
Fry them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown and crispy texture.
Why should I avoid overcrowding the skillet during frying?
Frying only a few at a time ensures they have enough space to cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
What should I do if the skillet runs low on oil while cooking?
You should add more oil as needed during the cooking process to ensure all latkes are fried consistently.
How can I keep the finished latkes warm while finishing the batch?
Keep the already cooked latkes in a warm place or a low oven until you are ready to serve the entire batch.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for these latkes?
These latkes are best served hot with a dollop of sour cream for an elevating touch.
Can I freeze these potato latkes for later use?
Yes, they are freezable; simply pre-cook them, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in the freezer.
What is the best way to reheat frozen latkes?
Reheat frozen latkes directly in the oven to bring back their original crispy perfection.
Is this latke recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, eggs, and grains.
How many calories are in a single serving?
One serving of these savory latkes contains approximately 188 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.4 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates in a single serving.
Do these latkes provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1.9 grams of fiber.
What is the protein content of these latkes?
There are 2.5 grams of protein in each serving of the recipe.
Should I make a larger batch for a group?
Yes, it is recommended to double the batch because they are very satisfying and tend to go fast at the table.
What meals are these latkes most suitable for?
They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a convenient savory snack.
How long has this specific recipe been cherished?
This recipe has been cherished and passed down in the author's family for over three decades.