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Potato Pancakes

This recipe creates classic crispy potato pancakes by combining both grated and mashed potatoes. The mixture is seasoned, formed into small patties, and fried until golden brown and cooked through. They are typically served warm, often held in a low oven.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine kosher
Calories 1760.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Box Grater
  • 1 Mesh Strainer For draining grated potatoes
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Potato Masher or Food Mill
  • 1 Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan For frying

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 8 Yukon gold potatoes
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic smashed
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 eggs
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Grate 5 of the potatoes on the largest holes of a box grater. Toss the potatoes with the vinegar and place in a mesh strainer. Place a couple plates on top of the potatoes and weigh the potatoes down to try and squeeze out the excess water. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Cut the remaining 3 potatoes into 6 pieces each. Place them in a saucepan with the garlic. Cover the potatoes with water by about 1-inch. Season the water generously with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and simmer until they are fork tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Strain and, while the potatoes are still hot, pass them through a food mill or mash with a potato masher.
  • Combine the grated potatoes and the mashed potatoes. In a small dish, beat the 2 eggs and add to the potato mixture. Season with salt.
  • Coat a large saute pan or cast iron pan with olive oil and bring to a medium high heat. Make a 3-inch patty with the potato mixture, cook it, and eat it to make sure that the potato mix is seasoned perfectly. Re-season if needed.
  • Working in batches, make and cook all the pancakes, until they are brown and crispy and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Blot the pancakes on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Hold on a sheet tray to keep warm in the oven until serving.

Notes

Ensuring the grated potatoes are thoroughly drained is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Pressing them firmly in the strainer helps remove excess moisture. Use enough olive oil in the pan to coat the bottom generously, allowing the pancakes to fry rather than just saute. The test patty step is vital; always taste and adjust seasoning before cooking the entire batch. Holding the finished pancakes in a warm oven keeps them crisp while you finish cooking the rest.