Love love love potato latkes, and this recipe that came on Food & Wine Daily's email (not something I signed up for, it just started coming recently and I'm enjoying it for now) looks like it could be the ultimate because of the way it breaks the potatoes down into two types and multiple steps. It's attributed to that weird guy with the TV shows about travelling the world eating bugs, Andrew Z-something (not seen the show, too squeamish for it). Will try it on Tuesday, should be perfect for an all-sparkling topic tasting-group night.
KILLER POTATO LATKES
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
Sea salt
2 pounds baking potatoes
1 large onion, finely diced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup matzo meal
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Applesauce, crème fraîche, smoked salmon, salmon roe and dill sprigs, for serving
1.
In a medium saucepan, cover the Yukon Gold potatoes with cool water, season generously with salt and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and immediately pass the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl.
2.
Working quickly, peel and grate the baking potatoes on the large holes of a box grater into a medium bowl. Press with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Add half of the grated potatoes to the riced potatoes.
3.
Transfer the remaining grated potatoes to the bowl of a food processor. Add the onion and pulse until the potatoes and onions are very finely chopped. Transfer to a fine-mesh sieve and press with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Add the potato-onion mixture to the large bowl. Stir in the eggs, matzo meal, white pepper and 2 teaspoons of salt.
4.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil until shimmering. Working in 3 batches, spoon 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the oil for each latke; press slightly to flatten. Fry over moderate heat, turning once, until the latkes are golden and crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Drain the latkes on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve with applesauce, crème fraîche, smoked salmon, salmon roe and dill.
Make Ahead
The fried latkes can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Reheat them on a baking sheet in a 375° oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.
