How to make Potato Pancake Latkes

Why cooks start here

Potato Pancake Latkes is cooked the way Ashkenazi fry skillets cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a eastern european family cook actually puts it on the table.

Potato Pancake Latkes, a staple in Ashkenazi kitchens, are the golden crisp bites often served during Hanukkah. Rooted in Eastern European tradition, these pancakes are fried to perfection in generous amounts of oil, a nod to the miracle of the holiday. This home-style version captures the essence of family recipes, lovingly passed down through generations. Expect a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, savory center, where the grated potatoes and onions meld with eggs and flour to form a cohesive whole. The salt, measured by instinct rather than spoon, enhances the natural flavors, making each bite a reminder of the comfort and warmth of home-cooked meals.