My Easy Potato Latkes Hack

Is it possible to get the homemade taste of grated potato latkes without having to peel and grate the potatoes? It kind of sounds like an oxymoron, but it can be done. This simple hack that I am sharing cuts the time in half, really works, and you don't have to peel or grate potatoes.

Note: latkes are potato pancakes

When I was growing up, my mother prepared homemade peeled and grated latkes for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. We topped them with homemade applesauce or tangy sour cream. Both ways were delicious. We loved the latkes, but my mother's knuckles were often sore and red by the end of the week.

Personally, I don't care to eat fried foods, but the theme of the Hanukkah is to commemorate the miracle of the the oil lamp that was almost out of oil, but still provided light in the temple for 8 full nights.

The Hanukkiah all lit up on the eighth night of hanukkah

In remembrance of the miracle of the drop of oil (that was used for candlelight) that lasted for 8 days in the holy temple, we eat food fried in oil on Hanukah.  

Jews of Eastern European background eat- fried potato latkes; Jews of Sephardic or Middle Eastern background eat  "fried sophganiyot  which are fried donuts." I use a delicious gluten free recipe for plain donuts dipped in chocolate that are baked, not fried and made in a donut pan. The picture is of some jelly donuts that were store bought.

These are not the donuts that I made that are baked

I am of European decent and my family tradition is to make potato latkes. Peeling and grating the potatoes can be quite a chore, so I've been using a hack that takes most of the work out of making the delicious treat.

What's this easy Hack so you don't have to peel and grate?

I use a bag of frozen hash browns.  Surprisingly, they are raw so I allow them to thaw, I squeeze out the liquid and I then have a large bowl of raw grated potatoes which can be used in your favorite latke recipe. You won't know the difference! 

I'm posting a basic, yet delicious recipe that you can try at home with your family. My "hack" cuts down the labor and the bleeding knuckles- so enjoy!

Hanukkah 2019 begins at sundown of Sunday Dec. 22-2019 and ends at sundown on Dec 30, 2019

6 large baking potatoes (about 750 g), peeled and grated OR

1 large large bag of frozen hash browns

3 eggs

1/2- 3/4 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs

Salt, freshly ground pepper
Oil for frying 

 Using a clean dish towel, ring as much liquid from the thawed hash brown potatoes as possible. Mix all ingredients together and drop by the spoonfuls in a skillet with hot oil . Cook on each side until is browned. 
Top with applesauce or sour cream.

 I also make a baked latke version and use the same easy hack!

Shared on Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads