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Classic Potato Latkes with Easy Homemade Applesauce

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Crispy, golden potato latkes paired with sweet, homemade applesauce create a comforting and nostalgic dish perfect for festive occasions or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), peeled and grated
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil preferred) for frying
  • For the homemade applesauce:
  • 4 medium apples (about 1 pound / 450 grams), peeled, cored, and chopped (mix of Fuji and Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons sugar or honey, adjusted to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor (5-7 minutes). Keep pieces fine but not mushy.
  2. Place grated potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible (2-3 minutes).
  3. Transfer drained mixture to a large bowl. Add beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined; batter should be thick but not dry (about 3 minutes).
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (3-4 minutes). Test by dropping a bit of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
  5. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into hot oil. Flatten gently to about 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) thick. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed.
  6. Remove latkes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while frying remaining latkes.
  7. For applesauce: Combine chopped apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and sugar or honey in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and break down (about 15 minutes). Mash or blend to desired texture.
  8. Serve latkes hot with a generous spoonful of homemade applesauce on the side.

Notes

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from grated potatoes and onions to ensure crispy latkes. Keep oil hot but not smoking to avoid greasy or burnt latkes. Use a thin spatula and be gentle when flipping. If batter is too loose, add more flour; if too dry, add an extra egg. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature. Applesauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato latkes, homemade applesauce, Hanukkah recipe, crispy latkes, traditional latkes, easy latkes, gluten-free latkes option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/classic-potato-latkes-recipe-easy-homemade-applesauce-for-perfect-latkes/