The humble potato. It can be mashed, smashed, boiled, broiled, baked, fried…and even grated into pancakes.   Potato pancakes are something I remember from my childhood…I remember my mom busily grating the potatoes, mixing up the batch and then frying each cake until they were nice and crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside…I still love latkes (potato pancakes), comfort food I’d say… The main ingredient is potatoes. How much more simple can you get? Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or as an appetizer…latkes for you, latkes for me.

Easy, inexpensive and versatile – what’s not to love?

All you’ll need is;

(makes about 10-12 latkes)

4 cups grated potatoes ( I don’t peel my potatoes –  peel if you prefer – but do wash well)
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
peanut or canola oil for frying

* other options add freshly chopped chives, parsley, grated zucchini, green onions, black pepper.

What to do;

Grate potatoes.

Rinse the potatoes under water. Strain potatoes as much as you can – press against sides of strainer or wrap in cheesecloth and squeeze…

Place strained potatoes in large mixing bowl. Add grated onion, flour and salt. Mix well. Add egg and mix well.

Scoop a small amount and place on heated (and oiled) heavy bottomed (cast iron is great!) fry pan and press down to form a ‘cake’. Once bottom and edges begins to brown, flip and brown other side.

Keep warm in oven on rack or cookie sheet.

Ideas on how to eat latkes

Breakfast – perfect use for leftovers – reheat latke in oven and serve with brown butter scrambled eggs and toast – great way to start the day…

Brunch – top with sauteed spinach, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce – deliciousness to say the least.

Lunch – serve with applesauce, sour cream, creme fraiche or tzatziki;  add a side side salad.

Appetizer – (make bite sized cakes) serve with dipping sauces (think ketchup, apple sauce, sour cream or tzatziki). Top with freshly chopped chives or parsley.

Dinner – serve alongside any dish where potatoes are welcome…serve with above mentioned sauces or plain, garnish with fresh herbs.

How do you like your latkes?

Here’s another version from Scarletrosita…

enjoy!