Main Line native Jackie Grant of Simmer & Sage shares her Hannukah memories (and recipe).
by Jackie Grant, Simmer & Sage
If there was ever a dish that brings back vivid childhood memories, is steeped in tradition and is totally droolworthy, it’s classic potato latkes. The Jewish holidays are big on symbolism, and because Hannukah is a celebration of a supply of oil that was only supposed to last for one night but miraculously lasted for eight nights, we celebrate by eating foods that are fried in – you guessed it – oil. So yes, we are actually mandated to eat fried foods. And yes, it’s awesome.
I remember the process of making these latkes being a long one. My grandparents stood at the kitchen counter, each grating potatoes one by one on box graters. My mother would then fry the grated potatoes in peanut oil until they were golden brown and then set them onto paper supermarket bags that lined the countertops. They were crispy around the edges, warm and soft in the middle, with just the right amount of salt. We would happily attack the mountain of potato pancakes, taking several onto our plates, smothering them with sour cream or applesauce or sometimes both. The whole house smelled like a deep fryer, and would stay that way for several days after the celebration.
I have never wavered from my family’s recipe for Classic Potato Latkes. They are, hands down, the best latkes I’ve ever had. The only thing I’ve changed is the oil that I fry in. I find that using vegetable oil instead of peanut oil yields a lighter, more golden-colored latke. Everything else is the same as what generations before me have done.
CLASSIC POTATO LATKES
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hr 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 8 russet potatoes
- 2 yellow onions
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 quart vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peel potatoes and onions and grate, using the large holes of a box grater or the grater attachment of a food processor. Place grated potatoes and onions in a large bowl. Add flour, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Heat 3/4 inch of oil over medium heat in a deep, wide skillet. There should be enough oil in the pan so that the latkes can float. Using a slotted spoon, transfer 3-4 tbsp. of potato mixture into the pan and use your spoon to gently shape and flatten the pancake. Once the edges start to turn golden brown and latke releases from the bottom of the pan, its time to flip it over. Allow both sides to reach a golden brown color and remove with a slotted spoon. Place latkes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Serve with your condiments of choice.
For more of Jackie’s great recipes, visit Simmer & Sage and follow her on Instagram , Facebook and Pinterest.
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