Potato Latkes with Homemade Applesauce
Potato Latkes with Homemade Applesauce
Potato Latkes with Homemade Applesauce

Potato Latkes with Homemade Applesauce

David Venable

Whether served alone or as a side dish to a larger meal, these simple and savory potato latkes are a special treat either way.

Latkes

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup onion, grated and squeezed of excess moisture
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
  • 4 Tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions

To prepare the applesauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium-size saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples have softened. Remove from the heat to cool.
Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest. Mash the apples with a fork or potato masher. Set aside.
To prepare the latkes, combine the beaten egg, salt, pepper, onion, and scallions a medium-size mixing bowl. Set aside.
Peel the potatoes and grate them on the large side of a box grater. Place the potatoes in a dish towel or cheese cloth and wring out the excess moisture.
Add the potatoes to the egg mixture. Sprinkle the flour over the potatoes and mix until well coated.
Heat the oil over medium heat in a medium- or large-sized sauté pan. When the oil is hot, scoop a 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the oil and flatten each cake slightly to form a pancake.
Fry until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes, then flip and brown the other side. Transfer the pancakes to a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels to remove the excess oil. (You may need to fry the pancakes in batches.)
Spread applesauce on each latke and serve.

Applesauce

  • 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into large slices
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1''-3'' cinnamon stick
  • 2 strips lemon zest lemon
  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Cook's Notes

If you're making these as an appetizer (YUM!), just use a Tbsp (instead of a 1/4 cup) to scoop the potatoes into the frying pan. Serve with various toppings such as sour cream, chives, or smoked salmon.