Traditional Latkes Recipe and 10 Side Dish Ideas to Serve With It

Latkes are easy to make. The combination of shredded potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour creates the perfect balance of flavors. Follow this traditional latkes recipe to prepare them at home.

Ingredients:

- 4 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)

- 1 medium onion

- 2 large eggs

- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo meal)

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor. Place the shredded potatoes into a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

2. Grate the onion and set it aside. Drain the potatoes after 5 minutes and squeeze them well using a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is important to get crispy latkes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should feel sticky but not too watery.

4. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the mixture—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and carefully place it into the pan. Flatten it slightly with a spatula to form a round pancake.

6. Fry each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.

7. Transfer the cooked latkes onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Making latkes can be simple, but a few techniques can improve their taste and texture. Here are some useful tips to get the best results when preparing your latkes recipe:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Always use starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold, because they naturally hold less water. This type of potato helps the latkes turn golden and crispy outside while staying fluffy and tender inside.

2. Remove Excess Liquid: After grating the potatoes, squeeze them firmly in a towel to get rid of water. Removing the liquid ensures the mixture binds well, prevents sogginess, and makes the latkes crisp instead of heavy or mushy.

3. Use Enough Oil: Latkes should be shallow-fried, which means adding enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. A generous layer of oil allows even cooking and gives the pancakes that crunchy, golden texture they are known for.

4. Keep the Oil Hot: Oil should be hot enough to sizzle when batter is added. This high heat seals the outside quickly, preventing the latkes from soaking up too much oil and keeping them light, crisp, and flavorful.

5. Work in Batches: Only fry a few latkes at a time to keep the oil hot. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, making latkes unevenly cooked, pale in color, and less crispy than they should be.

6. Drain on Paper Towels: Once fried, place the latkes on paper towels to soak up excess oil. This keeps them crunchy for longer and prevents a greasy taste, ensuring a clean and enjoyable eating experience.

7. Serve Immediately: Latkes taste best fresh from the pan. Serving them right away preserves their crunch, as reheating later often makes them chewy or limp, which takes away from the traditional crispy texture.

8. Use Matzo Meal for Tradition: Replacing flour with matzo meal gives a more authentic Jewish touch. It slightly changes the flavor and texture, making the latkes heartier while still maintaining the crisp outside and soft inside.

Latkes can be enjoyed on their own, but they taste even better with the right side dishes and toppings. Here are ten great ideas on what to serve with your latkes recipe:

1. Applesauce – A classic pairing that balances the salty flavor with a touch of sweetness.

2. Sour Cream – Creamy and tangy, it complements the crispy texture of the latkes.

3. Smoked Salmon – Adds a rich and savory flavor, perfect for a festive table.

4. Chopped Chives – A simple garnish that adds freshness and color.

5. Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and colorful side that goes well with the fried potatoes.

6. Pickles – Their sour and crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the latkes.

7. Beet Salad – A refreshing option with a slightly sweet taste.

8. Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds a modern twist to the traditional dish.

9. Cheese Spread – Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta enhance the richness of the latkes.

10. Eggs – Fried or poached eggs on top of latkes make them a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.