Join in the joyful celebration of Hanukkah with our delicious recipe for a Single Latke with Sour Cream. This traditional Hanukkah treat is made from grated potatoes, onions, and a blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. With our detailed step-by-step instructions and carefully measured ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate this iconic dish in no time. So gather your loved ones, light the menorah, and savor the crispy goodness of our Hanukkah Bite: Single Latke with Sour Cream.
1. Ingredients
To make delicious latkes with sour cream, you will need the following ingredients:
1.1 Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to be used in Step 2.2)
1.2 Onion
- 1 medium onion
1.3 Flour
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1.4 Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to be used in Step 2.5)
1.5 Eggs
- 2 large eggs
1.6 Vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill the pan about 1/4 inch)
1.7 Sour cream
- Sour cream for serving
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s proceed to the next step.
2. Preparing the Latke Batter
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the latke batter. Follow these simple steps:
2.1 Shred the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and then shred them using a box grater or a food processor fitted with the grating disc. Place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl.
2.2 Squeeze Excess Liquid
To ensure crispy latkes, it’s crucial to remove excess liquid from the shredded potatoes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the potatoes and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Then, using your hands or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
2.3 Grate the Onion
Next, peel the onion and grate it using the same method as the potatoes. Add the grated onion to the bowl with the potatoes.
2.4 Combine Potatoes and Onion
Using your hands or a spoon, mix the shredded potatoes and grated onion together until well combined. The onion adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the latkes.
2.5 Add Flour and Salt
Now it’s time to add the flour and salt to the potato and onion mixture. Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir well to ensure that the flour and salt are evenly distributed.
2.6 Mix in Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Then, pour the beaten eggs into the potato mixture and stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the latkes together during frying.
Your latke batter is now ready. Let’s move on to the next step and start shaping and frying the latkes.
3. Shaping and Frying the Latkes
Shaping and frying the latkes is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps for perfect, crispy latkes:
3.1 Heat Vegetable Oil
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Heating the oil properly is essential for achieving crispy and golden-brown latkes.
3.2 Scoop the Latke Batter
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop about 1/4 cup of the latke batter and gently form it into a flat pancake shape. Repeat this process for the remaining batter, making sure to leave enough space between each latke to allow for even cooking.
3.3 Flatten the Latkes
Once you have formed the latke pancakes, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently flatten them. This will help them cook evenly and give them that classic latke shape.
3.4 Fry the Latkes
Place the flattened latkes into the hot oil, carefully sliding them into the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn crisp and golden brown. Flip them over using a spatula and fry the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Remove the cooked latkes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining latke batter, making sure to adjust the heat if necessary to prevent the latkes from burning.
4. Serving the Latkes
Now that your latkes are perfectly fried and irresistibly crispy, it’s time to serve them up with a touch of sour cream. Here’s how to do it:
4.1 Preparing the Sour Cream
Transfer the desired amount of sour cream into a small bowl. You can adjust the quantity based on your personal preference. If you like a tangier flavor, you can also add a squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the sour cream and mix well.
4.2 Garnishing the Latkes
To add some extra flavor and visual appeal to your latkes, you can garnish them with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. Simply sprinkle some chopped herbs over the latkes just before serving.
4.3 Serving Suggestions
Latkes are best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight out of the frying pan. Serve them alongside the prepared sour cream for a delightful combination. You can also serve them with applesauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.
Now that you have mastered the art of making crispy latkes with sour cream, it’s time to gather your friends and family, share this delicious recipe, and enjoy a Hanukkah feast together. Happy cooking!
