Latkes (potato pancakes)

I made latkes, or potato pancakes, for the first time this year during Chanukah. They were pretty tasty! I think they are one of those things that are even better as leftovers the next day warmed up in the oven! I got the recipe from Saveur magazine.

Latkes are traditionally eaten during Chanukah because the oil for cooking the latkes is symbolic of the olive oil from that kept the Second Temple miraculously lit for eight days when it was only enough oil for one day.

SERVES 6

These are great served with either a dollop of sour cream or apple sauce. Alternating between onion and potatoes when grating keeps the potatoes from darkening.

1 medium yellow onion
3 large yukon gold potatoes (about 2 1⁄2
lbs.), peeled
Kosher salt, to taste
6 tbsp. finely chopped chives
3 tbsp. plain matzo meal
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Canola oil for frying
Sour cream or applesauce

1. Working over a bowl, grate some of the onion, followed by some of the potatoes, on the large-hole side of a box grater. Repeat until all the vegetables are used up.

2. Sprinkle mixture with salt and transfer it to a sieve set over a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from mixture, allowing it to collect in bottom of bowl. Transfer mixture to another bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap; set aside. Set reserved potato liquid aside to let the milky white starch settle. Pour off liquid from starch. Transfer starch to mixture along with the chives, matzo, eggs, and salt and pepper. Gently mix.

3. Pour enough oil into a skillet that it reaches a depth of 1⁄4"; heat over medium-high heat. Working in small batches, form mixture into balls, using about 1⁄4 cup of the mixture for each, and place them in the oil. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula to form 3"–4" pancakes. Fry, turning once, until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Serve the potato pancakes with sour cream or applesauce.