Thursday, December 2, 2010

YOU SAY POTATO...


Whether you call them potato pancakes or latkes, there is no doubt that mounds of freshly shredded potatoes fried in oil cannot be anything but good!  I've had my share of delicious potato pancakes, most memorably the Swiss rosti-a large potato pancake simply prepared in melted butter or oil and usually served for breakfast. I had my first rosti in a little restaurant in St. Moritz after a long day of skiing the Alps. A large plate of warm potato pancakes were accompanied by rich cream and salty smoked salmon; the combination was irresistible!  We celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah in our house, and I find the holidays the perfect time to break out my potato pancake recipe.  

The recipe is beautiful in its simplicity-I use just potatoes and a hint of onion. Many potato pancakes use flour or eggs to bind them but I find if you keep the pancakes small you don't need any of that. The two ingredients produce a pancake with lacy edges, a golden crust and a rich, creamy interior that make them hard to resist.  Delicious on their own, or with a dollop of apple sauce, they make a posh party canape with creme fraiche and smoked salmon.  Bet you can't just eat one!

BEST EVER POTATO PANCAKES
3 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and peeled
3 tablespoons grated onion
salt and pepper
peanut or vegetable oil

1. using large setting on hand grater, grate potatoes and onion into a bowl.
2. Put grated mixture into a cheese cloth and squeeze all the water from the mixture (you can also put mixture into a chinois and push the water out)
3. liberally salt and pepper 
4. heat a frying pan over medium high heat with about 4 tablespoons of oil
5. press about two tablespoons of mixture into your palm and create a small pancake
6. fry in small batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add additional oil when necessary. Drain on paper towel.
7. Serve immediately!
makes about 20-22 small pancakes

21 comments:

quintessence said...

I lived in Switzerland for a while and LOVE Rösti. I somehow never think to make it - I'll have to check out your recipe. And have you ever made Raclette? Another delicious Swiss recipe to try!

Unknown said...

yes I had raclette while in Switzerland-who can resist a mound of gooey cheese! xxBarbara

little luxury list said...

I love LOVE latkes! Thanks for the recipe - it seems so simple! Happy Hanukkah!

Unknown said...

I gained 5 lbs just looking an craving these delicious little taters!!!

xo Elizabeth

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

These look delicious! And I love the 2 ingredients - you know I've bookmarked this one!

Stitchfork said...

Saving this recipe! We have an egg allery in the family so I am always looking for egg-free recipes. Especially ones that look as delicious as this one!
xo Cathy

Katherine said...

Yummy, potatoes, yummy, anything fried..giggle. Great post, love the photos too. Well done,I recently tried frying mashed potatoes ( thanksgiving leftovers)dipped in egg wash, rolled in bread crumbs and fried in olive oil.
Wishing you happiness, Katherine

Splendid Sass said...

I just saved this recipe. I love latkes. Happy Hanukkah!
Teresa

k said...

Lady, i LOVE rosti and we make it all the time :):) It is so perfect after skiing...or on a friday night with beer and friends at a rathaus :)

honey my heart said...

i can never have just one potato pancake :)

Sanctuary Home said...

Those look so yummy! I love potato pancakes. I'm vegan now, and all the recipes included eggs. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will be trying these soon!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

This is great for a gluten free gal like myself - no flour! I have tried to make these twice and can't say I was too happy with my results but they are so yummy I'm willing to try again.

The Preppy Student said...

mmmmm yum! Happy Channukah!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Now those look tasty! Thanks for the recipe - looks like a good one!

KatiePerk said...

These look divine!

Suburban Princess said...

YUM! I love rosti! You just cant go wrong with potatos and onions!

Party Resources said...

These look fantastic!

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Hi Barbara,

Just named you among my "stylish" blogger winners. :)

Ruth

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Oh how I love potato pancakes and applesauce! I remember Rosti from my trips to Switzerland and also Raclette. Hmmmm, I can smell and taste it all now...my imagination is in overdrive.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Day Old News said...

This sounds so amazing! What a great recipe, thanks for posting.

red ticking said...

ooooohhh i will eat several! xx