Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are a beloved comfort food that makes for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These crispy, golden-brown cakes are made with simple ingredients and pack a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with applesauce or sour cream, potato pancakes are always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s discover how to make these delightful treats in your own kitchen!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Why Make This Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes are not just easy to make; they’re also highly versatile. You can customize them by adding spices or herbs to suit your taste or serve them with different toppings. The crunchy exterior combined with the soft interior creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover potatoes, making them an economical choice for any meal.
How to Make Potato Pancakes
## Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
## Directions:
-
Step 1: Preparation
Grate the potatoes and onion into a bowl. This releases the starches and moisture, creating a better texture.
-
Step 2: Mixing
Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the grated mixture, and mix until combined. The flour will help bind the ingredients together while adding a bit of bulk.
-
Step 3: Cooking
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, spoon the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten it with a spatula to form pancake shapes.
-
Step 4: Finishing
Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, drain the pancakes on paper towels to remove any excess oil, and then serve warm.
How to Serve Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with toppings. Consider serving them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a savory touch. Applesauce adds a sweet contrast and is a traditional favorite. They also make an excellent side dish with eggs for breakfast or served alongside a fresh salad for lunch.
How to Store Potato Pancakes
If you have leftovers, store your potato pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore their crispiness. You can also freeze uncooked potato pancakes for up to three months; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes
- For extra crispiness, let the grated potatoes sit for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Try adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the mixture for an added flavor boost.
- Ensure your oil is hot before adding the mixture; this helps to seal in moisture and create a crispy exterior.
Delicious Variations
- Zucchini Potato Pancakes: Substitute half of the potatoes for grated zucchini for a tasty twist.
- Loaded Potato Pancakes: Add shredded cheese and cooked bacon bits to the potato mixture for a savory treat.
- Herbed Pancakes: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a refreshing change in flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, russet potatoes work best for their starch content, but you can use Yukon gold for a creamier texture. -
How do I prevent my pancake mixture from turning brown?
Grate and immediately cook the potatoes. If you need to wait, soak the grated potatoes in cold water to slow down oxidation. -
Can I make potato pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. -
What can I serve instead of sour cream or applesauce?
Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli can make for great alternatives. -
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fry them in batches without overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
Conclusion
Potato pancakes are a delightful and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and customize. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they are sure to win over the hearts (and taste buds) of family and friends alike. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—your kitchen will soon be filled with the delicious aroma of frying pancakes, making it hard to resist a second helping! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
Potato Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and golden-brown potato pancakes, also known as latkes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate the potatoes and onion into a bowl to release starches and moisture.
- Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the grated mixture, and mix until combined.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spoon the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten with a spatula to form pancake shapes.
- Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, let the grated potatoes sit before squeezing out excess moisture. Try adding spices like garlic powder or paprika for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
