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potato latkes

Potato Latkes (from Serious Eats, see the full article here)

Great latkes take some time and preparation, but with the right technique and tools are easy to master. If you need to store them for later service, let them drain, then stash them in a 200°F oven with the door slightly ajar for no more than two hours. 
These ingredient amounts aren't law; depending on the moisture content of your potatoes, you may need more or less binder, or a different balance of eggs and matzo meal. What's important is that the latke patties don't fall apart in your hands, or they certainly will in the pan. Start with a little egg and matzo meal, then only add as much as you need. 
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 
cast iron skillet, food processor, cheesecloth 
INGREDIENTS 
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium)
  • 1/2 an onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1-2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup matzo meal (more or less as needed) 
  • 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste (sprinkle over after frying to avoid soggy latkes)
  • Canola or peanut oil, for frying 

DIRECTIONS 
  1. Shred potatoes with grating disk of food processor. After each potato, wrap shreds in cheesecloth or towel that has been folded over twice. Tie corners around the handle of a wooden spoon and twist bundle until water flows out. Collect water in a bowl and squeeze all potatoes until dry. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl with onions.
  2. Let drained potato water sit undisturbed until a pool of brown water forms on top of a slurry of pale potato starch. Carefully drain off water, then mix starch into potato onion mixture with hands. Mix in egg, a little at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon increments of matzo meal, until latke mix can be formed into patties that just stick together in hands. 
  3. Heat 1/2 inch oil in skillet on medium high until a shred of potato immediately bubbles.  
  4. Form patties about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick in the center and slide into pan, cooking no more than 4 at a time. Fry until a golden brown crust forms on bottom, then flip with a slotted spatula until same color is achieved on other side. Flip as needed to get a firm, darker than golden crust on both sides. Add salt as needed.
  5. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towels to cool for two minutes, then serve with applesauce and sour cream at the table.

Photo used under Creative Commons from Meg Stewart