Zudik Hayse Latkes Essen Mir
Meryl has posted her latkes recipe. But, without offense to anyone, I fear that a latkes recipe that uses matzoh meal instead of wheat germ is just not quite as good. Still quite tasty, but lacking that little bit more oomph. I realize this sounds weird, but wheat germ is the way to go (I also have a Lubavitch latkes recipe that backs me up on this). So, without further adieu, my grandmother's latkes recipe (which I now make). This recipe serves four.
Ingredients
Six large potatoes
Two large eggs
Three handfuls of wheat germ
Salt, pepper, and grated onion to taste
Olive oil for frying (this is actually my own twist; my grandmother used canola oil)
Grate potatoes into a large bowl. You can use a food processor, but I prefer to do it by hand. I alternate between the fine and medium textures. I find using some medium texture grating gives the latkes a nice substance. Add wheat germ. Beat eggs in a separate bowl and pour into potato/wheat germ mixture. Add salt, pepper, and grated onion to taste (I must use a food processor to grate the onion; otherwise I can't see).
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Drop one tablespoon of latkes mixture into the oil and flatten. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other. Make sure the edges are nice and crisp too.
Remove cooked latkes from pan and place on paper towel to blot the oil.
Serve with sour cream. Sure, you can use apple sauce, but apple sauce on latkes is, IMO, an offense against G_d and man. Your mileage may vary.
I started using olive oil to fry the latkes after a friend of mine, who happens to be Mexican, introduced me to the fine Mexican dish of potatoes sauteed in olive oil. The olive oil lends a very nice flavor to the latkes without being too overpowering.
Comments
This is great could you post more recipies, I haev to figure out how to cook again.
And about how much is a handfull? I mand you could grab a lot of wheat germ if you spred your fingers and pressed hard.
Posted by: Rick DeMent | December 19, 2003 09:01 PM
A handful is whatever fits loosely in the palm of my hand when I cup my fingers. I pour the wheat germ directly into my cupped hand. The best way to judge whether you have put in enough is to check the consistency of the mixture. Err on the side of less at first, adding more if necessary.
As for recipes, yeah, sure. Just don't ask me for fish recipes. I don't cook fish at home for some reason. I'll start with a couple of relatively easy ones.
Posted by: Lesley | December 20, 2003 09:06 AM
Thank you VERY MUCH for giving a pregnant lady a craving!
Actually, I've always wanted a good latke recipe, and the one I found in my grandmother's recipe box when she passed is written in Polish. Granted, I could get it translated somewhere, but I've been too lazy to do that yet, so I'm going to try yours. :-)
Posted by: Anne | December 20, 2003 01:02 PM
Heh, I posted my latke recipe as well! And I've started calling Joe Lieberman "Lakte-Cheeks." I don't know why, I just have latkes on the brain lately! Mine turned out perfectly last night, woo-hoo!
Posted by: Elayne Riggs | December 21, 2003 02:24 PM
Wheat germ? I never even thought about something like that.
Hm. Maybe I'll try the olive oil for the Boxing Day dinner my friends and I are having. I've been roped into making latkes again.
I'll take your word for the wheat germ, though.
Posted by: Meryl Yourish | December 21, 2003 11:07 PM
My mom was a health and nutrition freak; an original Carlton Fredericks fan. She used to make us eat wheat germ as breakfast cereal when we were kids. It was barf time.
But even I must admit that the latkes with wheat germ were good, because they had a nice nutty taste and very crispy texture. But I believe in 1 small onion to every potato and peanut oil for frying. I like them oniony and crisp.
Posted by: Mom | December 22, 2003 12:29 PM
Now I've got a craving for latkes and I'm not even pregnant. I used to make potato pancakes, but this recipe sounds so much better. As to wheat germ, my mom was a health nut too, and I had wheat germ with honey, or with molasses, for breakfast as a kid and loved it. Reminds me of those good sesame candy bars.
Posted by: Margot | December 26, 2003 02:53 PM