Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce

Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce

10 servings
These classic potato pancakes are super crispy on the outside but soft and moist on the inside. We use shredded potatoes for a traditional look, and a little bit of onion for that hint of sweetness. A spiced fruity sauce completes the experience.

Ingredients

  • russet potatoes
    2 lb
  • yellow onion
    1 small
  • matzo meal
    3 tbsp
  • egg

    lightly beaten

    1 large
  • baking powder
    ¼ tsp
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • vegetable oil

    for frying

  • chopped fresh herbs

    such as chives or parsley, for garnish

    1 tbsp
  • sour cream

    for serving

  • spiced apple-pear sauce

    for serving, recipe follows

  • mcintosh apples

    peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

    3
  • ripe bartlett pears

    peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

    3
  • fresh lemon juice
    1 tbsp
  • cinnamon sticks
    6
  • ground nutmeg
    ¼ tsp
  • sugar
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Peel the potatoes and shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade; transfer the potatoes to a large bowl as the food processor fills up. Repeat with the onion. Transfer the onion to the bowl with the potatoes and stir in the matzo meal, egg, baking powder and salt.

  2. 2

    Fill a large skillet with 1/2 inch oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if the potato sizzles steadily, the oil is ready.

  3. 3

    Working in batches, scoop the potato mixture by 1/4-cupfuls and add them carefully to the skillet, flattening each latke slightly with a spatula. Fry, turning the latkes once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Remove any loose bits of potato mixture between batches with a slotted spoon.

  4. 4

    Serve the latkes immediately, or keep them warm in a 200 degree F oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with sour cream and Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce.

  5. 5

    Combine the apples, pears, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the apples and pears are very soft but still a bit chunky, 15 to 20 minutes. Taste the mixture and add the remaining tablespoon of sugar if desired.

  6. 6

    Remove the sauce from the heat and stir a few times until the sauce is well combined with small chunks. Cool to room temperature. Remove the cinnamon sticks and serve. (For a smoother sauce, remove from heat, remove the cinnamon sticks and then whisk the mixture until smooth before cooling.)

Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce

Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce

75 min10 servings383 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that quintessential Hanukkah crispness? These classic Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce deliver perfectly golden, satisfyingly crunchy potato pancakes, making any meal feel like a special occasion. You'll love bringing this traditional Jewish cooking experience into your home.

What sets these latkes apart is the meticulous balance designed for optimal texture and flavor. Finely shredded russet potatoes create that traditional look and ensure the crispiest edges, while a carefully measured amount of onion adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the savory potato. They're engineered to achieve that ideal contrast: super crispy exteriors giving way to tender, moist interiors—a hallmark of great latkes.

Prepare for a delightful dance of textures and flavors with every bite. The initial satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, savory potato interior, lightly seasoned and wonderfully comforting. Paired with a vibrant, homemade Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce, you'll experience a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, brightened by aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg. A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream adds a tangy counterpoint, creating a truly traditional and satisfying side dish experience that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

  • While russet potatoes are classic, Yukon Gold can be used for a slightly creamier result.
  • For a slightly different savory twist, you can finely grate a small clove of garlic into the potato mixture.
  • If matzo meal isn't on hand, plain fine breadcrumbs can be used as a binder, though matzo meal provides a unique texture.
  • Experiment with the Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce by adding a pinch of allspice or swapping out a pear for an extra apple for a tarter sauce.

These Potato Latkes are the ultimate side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings, especially during Hanukkah, or as a comforting addition to any weeknight dinner. Serve them hot, straight from the pan, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, alongside creamy sour cream and the warm, aromatic Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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