potato pancakes

Sure! Here’s a full, detailed potato pancakes recipe (also called latkes). It’s simple, classic, and works well for beginners. 🥔✨

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🥔 Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 15–20 minutes

• Total: ~40 minutes

🍽️ Servings

• Makes about 10–12 pancakes

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🧾 Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold are best)

• 1 small onion

• 1 large egg

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  (or matzo meal / breadcrumbs)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier pancakes)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream

• Applesauce

• Greek yogurt

• Chopped green onions

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🔪 Equipment

• Box grater or food processor

• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth

• Large mixing bowl

• Frying pan or skillet

• Spatula

• Paper towels

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👩‍🍳 Directions (Step by Step)

1️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes.

2. Grate them using the large holes of a box grater.

3. Grate the onion the same way.

2️⃣ Remove Excess Liquid (Very Important!)

1. Place the grated potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel.

2. Twist and squeeze hard over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible.

   • This step makes the pancakes crispy instead of soggy.

3️⃣ Mix the Batter

1. Transfer the squeezed potato mixture to a large bowl.

2. Add:

   • Egg

   • Flour

   • Salt

   • Black pepper

   • Baking powder (if using)

3. Mix until everything is well combined.

4️⃣ Heat the Oil

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about ¼ inch).

3. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.

5️⃣ Fry the Pancakes

1. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake into the hot oil.

2. Flatten gently with the back of the spoon.

3. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

4. Flip carefully with a spatula.

6️⃣ Drain

1. Remove pancakes and place them on paper towels.

2. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.

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🌟 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.

• Great as a breakfast, side dish, or snack.

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💡 Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches.

• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven.

• For extra crispiness, use a mix of butter and oil.