The holiday season is all about spending time with three things: cozy blankets, crazy relatives, and delicious food. And when it comes to Hanukkah, that last one means learning how to make potato latkes. Not only are they super easy to make, but they're the perfect example of crispy-creamy goodness. Because they require basic ingredients, there's a good chance you already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Win.
The awesome thing about making your own homemade potato pancakes is that you can tweak them to your liking. Go traditional with the classic ingredients, or bring in extra spices, veggies, or toppings. Throw in some butternut squash for a wonderfully festive flavor. Sweeten it with cinnamon and apples, or spice it up with carrots and peppers. The latke world is literally yours.
This recipe uses frozen potato hash browns, shredded and ready to go. It's the perfect option when you need some latke lovin' ASAP. Hello, last-minute guests!
If you want to use fresh potatoes, peel two and grate by hand. You can also give them a run through the food processor. Feel free to experiment, and see what works best for you. Otherwise, the frozen shredded version works just as great. The best part? It'll give you more time to make a mouthwatering dessert.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen shredded potatoes (also known as hash browns)- 1/2 cup chopped onion (or to taste)- 1/2 cup olive oil- 1/2 - 3/4 cup flour- 2 eggs- Salt, pepper, spices
Directions:
Before starting, let the frozen shredded potatoes defrost. You can also pop them in the microwave for a minute to speed up the process.
Using a paper towel, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
Add the onion.
Bring in the spices.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Add to the mixture.
Mix well.
Sprinkle in the flour, little by little. Add enough to hold the mixture together.
Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Fry the potato mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time. Use a spatula to flatten each scoop into a pancake shape. Continue frying until each side is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
Top off your potato latkes with sour cream or tzatziki sauce. You can even mix spices with plain Greek yogurt for a rich, healthier alternative. For a sweeter version, add a dollop of applesauce, and sprinkle on some cinnamon. YUM.
Images: Kirsten Nunez
For more awesome holiday ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.
