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Ahh, classic potato latkes - the crunchy, golden brown potatoes of Chanukah. There’s nothing quite like them! Whether you whip up a batch from scratch in your kitchen, or pick up some delicious (and let’s be honest, indulgent) pre-packaged ones at your local grocery store, they make for an undeniably tasty part of any Chanukah celebration. Potato latkes are deeply intertwined with Jewish tradition and history: Each crispy delight is more than just a quintessential treat across the ages - it also represents centuries’ worth of bravery and resilience. So prepare to get those taste buds salivating as we explore why potato latkes with applesauce and sour cream have become uniquely tied to this joyous festival, how our modern day rendition differs that much invitingly from traditional versions… but most importantly – how to best set about preparing them for all to enjoy!
The Festival of Lights Will Soon be Upon Us!
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up a batch of delicious latkes with this easy latke recipe! Just shred the potato, blend in the ingredients, and fry to perfection. But wait, there’s more! You can customize these crispy delights with your favorite additions like shredded carrots, zucchini, and more. And let’s not forget the classic serving suggestion - a dollop of sour cream and apple sauce. But we take it to the next level with our homemade honey apple dipping sauces that add a delightful sweetness to every bite. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate latke experience!
What are Latkes?
Latkes are a beloved staple of Hanukkah celebrations, known for their crispy exterior and tender interior. These delightful potato pancakes are made from shredded potatoes, flour, egg, onion, and a pinch of salt. The mixture is then fried in oil until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Traditionally, latkes are served with a dollop of sour cream or a generous spoonful of applesauce, but they can also be topped with smoked salmon for a savory twist. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main event, latkes bring a deliciously festive touch to any meal.
The Difference Between Potato Pancakes & Latkes
While both potato pancakes and latkes share a common base of potatoes and are fried to perfection, there are some key differences that set them apart. Potato pancakes are typically made with leftover mashed potatoes, flour, and egg, resulting in a thicker and denser texture. Latkes, on the other hand, are crafted from grated or shredded potatoes, giving them a thinner and crisper finish. The addition of matzo meal or flour to the latke mixture further enhances their delicate texture and flavor. So, while both are delicious, latkes offer a unique crunch that distinguishes them from their potato pancake cousins. You can still serve latkes and potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream.
How to Make Crispy Potato Latkes
Step 1: Gather Ingredients & Prep
Before you start this recipe, you need to make sure you have all the right ingredients. Here is everything you will need for the crispy potato latkes and honey apple sauce:
- Russet potatoes
- Eggs
- Onion
- Baking powder
- Salt and pepper
- Flour or matzo meal
- Canola oil for frying
Step 2: Prep the Eggs, Grated Potatoes, and Onions
In a bowl, crack open the eggs and whisk them together. Set this to the side. Finely chop your onion, and set it to the side as well. Carefully peel the potatoes, and then grate the potatoes on a box grater or use a food processor for a quicker and easier method. Once you’ve grated potatoes, wrap them in a soft cheesecloth or a kitchen towel. Give it a good squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. You’ll be left with wonderfully dry and grated potatoes ready to be cooked to perfection.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture: Achieving the perfect texture for your latkes is all about technique. Start by squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes using a cheesecloth or a clean, lint-free dishtowel. This step is crucial to ensure your latkes are crispy rather than soggy. Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as their high starch content helps bind the mixture and create that coveted crunch. When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and ensure each latke gets evenly crisped. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best latkes ever.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together & Chill
In a large bowl, add in the whisked eggs, flour or matzo meal, salt and pepper, grated potatoes, and onions. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated potatoes to remove the potato starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy results. Give it a good stir to mix it all together. Let the potato mixture chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes while you make the honey applesauce.
Step 4: Cook Potato Mixture & Serve
Heat 1/4 inch of oil, such as vegetable oil, over medium high heat in a large skillet until hot. Drop heaping tablespoons full of the potato mixture in the heated skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until crisp outside and golden brown. Serve latkes with honey applesauce or sour cream.
How to Make Honey Applesauce
What better way to celebrate the Festival of Lights than with a sweet treat that also happens to serve as a garnish to the main dish? Try your hand at making honey applesauce – an easy and delicious recipe that will add some extra sweetness to your holiday celebrations. This traditional tart-sweet combination is sure to please! Feel free to serve this in addition to sour cream with your latkes. So read on and let us show you how simple it can be to make homemade honey applesauce that everyone in your household will love.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients & Prep
Just like the potato latkes, you're going to want to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to make honey applesauce. Here's what we use:
- Apples
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Carefully peel the skin off of each apple. Cut the apples in half and take the core out of the apples. Slice the apples into small pieces.
Step 3: Combine & Cook
In a dutch oven over medium heat, combine apples, water, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. When the apples are coated with all ingredients, cover them and cook for 20 minutes or until the apples are tender.
Step 4: Continue Cooking & Serve
Transfer the apple mixture from the dutch oven to a saucepan. Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Before serving, allow everything to cool and mash with a fork or potato masher.
Our Kosher Apples and Honey Lollipops combine the deliciousness of apple with the sweetness of honey!
What Do You Serve with Potato Latkes? Sour Cream and More
- Honey applesauce is our first choice for potato latkes.
- Sour cream or smoked salmon if you are after a more savory dish.
- Use the potato latkes in place of bread for either a cheese "sandwich" or a corned beef sandwich.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Potato latkes are a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holiday preparations. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. For longer storage, freeze the latkes by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pull out your baking sheet and bake the frozen latkes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they regain their crispy, golden-brown exterior. This way, you can enjoy this delicious latke recipe with sour cream and applesauce anytime with minimal effort.
Adapting our Potato Latkes Recipe
Any potato latke recipe does not reach true perfection until you’ve added your touch. We encourage you to play with your food at Bee Inspired Honey House. Change up this recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Latkes can essentially be made with any vegetable - sweet potato or zucchini
- Add color with a little shredded carrot
- Blend in a little minced garlic
- If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes before frying
Crispy Latkes For Every Occasion
During this joyous holiday, we commemorate a remarkable miracle that has left an indelible mark on history. The story goes like this: In the wake of the temple’s destruction, a minuscule quantity of oil was discovered, enough to last only a single day. However, by some divine intervention, it burned brightly for a miraculous eight days. As we revel in the celebration of Chanukah, we savor the delectable tradition of classic potato latkes, lovingly cooked in oil. Derived from the Yiddish/Russian word “little pancake,” these delightful little pancakes hold a special place in our hearts. Come and join us in relishing this cherished delicacy!
Potato latkes with honey apple sauce are not only a traditional dish for Chanukah, but also a delicious and versatile option for any occasion. By following the tips shared in this post, you can achieve perfectly crispy latkes by squeezing out the excess water from the potatoes. And don't forget to get creative with your toppings – they can be served savory with sour cream or smoked salmon, or sweet with honey apple sauce. Whether it's a holiday celebration or a regular weeknight dinner, everyone is sure to love this tasty and comforting dish. So why not try making our crispy potato latkes with honey apple sauce for your next gathering? Trust us, your guests will thank you and you'll have a new favorite recipe on hand. Happy frying and celebrating!
Enjoy honey and apples? Try making these recipes too:
If you decide to make our latke recipe, or better yet, your take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
