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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

My Easy Potato Latkes Hack



potato latke

Is it possible to get the homemade taste of grated potato latkes without having to peel and grate the potatoes? It kind of sounds like an oxymoron, but it can be done. This simple hack that I am sharing cuts the time in half, really works, and you don't have to peel or grate potatoes.



Note: latkes are potato pancakes


When I was growing up, my mother prepared homemade peeled and grated latkes for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. We topped them with homemade applesauce or tangy sour cream. Both ways were delicious. We loved the latkes, but my mother's knuckles were often sore and red by the end of the week.



Personally, I don't care to eat fried foods, but the theme of the Hanukkah is to commemorate the miracle of the the oil lamp that was almost out of oil, but still provided light in the temple for 8 full nights.

The Hanukkiah all lit up on the eighth night of hanukkah

In remembrance of the miracle of the drop of oil (that was used for candlelight) that lasted for 8 days in the holy temple, we eat food fried in oil on Hanukah.  

Jews of Eastern European background eat- fried potato latkes; Jews of Sephardic or Middle Eastern background eat  "fried sophganiyot  which are fried donuts." I use a delicious gluten free recipe for plain donuts dipped in chocolate that are baked, not fried and made in a donut pan. The picture is of some jelly donuts that were store bought.

These are not the donuts that I made that are baked

I am of European decent and my family tradition is to make potato latkes. Peeling and grating the potatoes can be quite a chore, so I've been using a hack that takes most of the work out of making the delicious treat.



What's this easy Hack so you don't have to peel and grate?

I use a bag of frozen hash browns.  Surprisingly, they are raw so I allow them to thaw, I squeeze out the liquid and I then have a large bowl of raw grated potatoes which can be used in your favorite latke recipe. You won't know the difference! 

I'm posting a basic, yet delicious recipe that you can try at home with your family. My "hack" cuts down the labor and the bleeding knuckles- so enjoy!

Hanukkah 2019 begins at sundown of Sunday Dec. 22-2019 and ends at sundown on Dec 30, 2019


6 large baking potatoes (about 750 g), peeled and grated OR
1 large large bag of frozen hash browns
3 eggs
1/2- 3/4 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs
Salt, freshly ground pepper
Oil for frying 

 Using a clean dish towel, ring as much liquid from the thawed hash brown potatoes as possible. Mix all ingredients together and drop by the spoonfuls in a skillet with hot oil . Cook on each side until is browned. 
Top with applesauce or sour cream.

 I also make a baked latke version and use the same easy hack!

Shared on Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads 




15 comments:

  1. I've never had latkes. :)

    Happy Hanukkah to you and your family!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nil- Happy Holidays to you too. Latkes are basically potato pancakes! They make a nice side dish

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  2. Latkes are the favourite of my parents in law. I love that baked version. Have a wonderful Hanukkah!

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  3. I didn't grow up with potato latkes but I do love them, especially with apple sauce: Many restaurants here in the Midwest serve what is known as a 'fish fry' on Friday nights which is usually made from beer-battered cod. Potato pancakes is one of the traditional side dishes. What a great idea to use frozen hash brown potatoes!!

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  4. Yummy Latkes, I will give it try by using frozen hash brown.
    Have a wonderful Hanukkah, Judee!

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  5. My mother also grated the potatoes on an old-style box grater, but I use a food processor. It's still a lot of work, especially wringing out the water before adding the other ingredients. Your way also avoids the job of peeling potatoes.

    Have a very happy Hanukkah!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  6. If my comment appears twice . . . sorry (my browser randomly refreshed).

    I have a food processor recipe that uses *unpeeled* potatoes, but I really like the idea of using the frozen potatoes -- soooo much easier. We're a sour cream (not apple sauce) family.

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  7. Love latkes!! Thanks for the hack, and Happy Hanukkah!

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  8. Blessings in this Holiday season! I've not made latkes in quite some time, but appreciate your easy method. For just the two of us, it's not a problem to peel and grate a few potatoes, though if for more people I might give that hack a try.

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  9. That's a great idea and so much easier. I don't make them often but I love latkes. ;-)

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  10. YUM!!
    Local TV show featured potato latkes this week.
    https://www.cityline.tv/video/the-easiest-recipe-for-a-delicious-potato-latke/

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  11. Happy Hannukah - great hack. Cheers

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  12. Happy Hannukkah Judee,
    This is a great post we will love your Potato Latke-Hack! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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  13. I love this recipe so much, Judee!

    Happy Hanukkah!

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  14. Wow, all the best things of life in one post. I spent my last Hannukah at Buenos Aires. We took a Jewish tour there and eat latkes.

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