Holiday Recipe Ideas to Try and Share: Potato Latkes with Sour Cream
Welcome Back to the Holiday Recipe Series
Welcome back to our Holiday Recipe Series, where we highlight festive starters and appetizers that bring people together. In our last recipe, we showcased the rich pairing of Foie Gras with Cranberry Chutney. Today, in honor of those celebrating Hanukkah, we’re spotlighting a classic dish that shines every year—Potato Latkes with Sour Cream.
These golden, crispy potato pancakes are a hallmark of Hanukkah traditions. Fried to perfection and served with cool, tangy sour cream (or applesauce for a sweet twist), latkes embody the comforting flavors of the season. Not only are they delicious, but they also carry deep cultural significance, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Hanukkah story.
Why Latkes Are Perfect for the Holidays
Latkes are more than just fried potatoes—they’re a dish rooted in history, joy, and sharing. Served warm from the skillet, their crispy edges and soft centers make them irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah or simply enjoying holiday flavors, latkes are a festive addition to any table.
Recipe: Potato Latkes with Sour Cream
Yield: 12 latkes
Serving Size: 2 latkes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for tradition)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier texture)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Applesauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion:
- Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the mixture in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy latkes.
- Mix the Batter:
- Transfer potatoes and onion to a large bowl.
- Stir in eggs, flour (or matzo meal), salt, pepper, and baking powder until well combined.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously.
- Heat over medium-high until shimmering hot.
- Fry the Latkes:
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet, flattening into a patty with the back of a spoon.
- Fry 3–4 latkes at a time until golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Place latkes on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with sour cream or applesauce on the side.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving of 2 latkes with sour cream)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredients used.)
A Crisp, Golden Tradition
Potato latkes bring both flavor and meaning to the Hanukkah celebration. Their crispy bite and warm, hearty taste make them an irresistible part of the holiday table. Paired with sour cream or applesauce, they’re a dish everyone will enjoy—whether honoring tradition or simply savoring the season’s best bites.
So, light the menorah, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this holiday classic that has stood the test of time.
✨ Stay tuned as our Holiday Recipe Series continues—more festive starters and appetizers are on the way!
