Crispy Latkes With Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Prep Time:
45 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
7 (about 15 latkes)
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ pounds Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, divided
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or potato starch)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
Directions
  1. Peel and dice the apples into ½-inch cubes.
  2. Transfer the apples to a saucepan, along with the water, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt.
  3. Stir to combine, then cover and cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to break down and become very tender.
  4. In the meantime, prepare the latkes. Peel and grate the onions using the large holes of a box grater.
  5. Do the same with the potatoes.
  6. Transfer the onions and potatoes to cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Wrap the potatoes and onions tightly and squeeze them to release the excess juices.
  8. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until uniform.
  9. Add the potato mixture, flour, salt, black pepper, and baking powder; fold gently just to combine.
  10. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and a rack.
  11. In a large skillet, heat ¼-inch of oil over medium-low heat until shimmering.
  12. Scoop lightly-packed ⅓-cup portions of latke mixture into the pan, pressing them with a spatula to flatten.
  13. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on the first side, then flip and cook the remaining side until golden (adjust the heat as needed).
  14. Transfer the latkes to the wire rack.
  15. Repeat with the remaining latke mixture, adding more oil to the pan with each batch.
  16. Optional: Remove the paper towel from the baking sheet and keep the latkes warm in a 250 F oven.
  17. Remove the cinnamon stick from the applesauce, add the lemon juice and the remaining brown sugar (if desired, to taste) to the cooked apple mixture and transfer it to a small food processor or blender.
  18. Cover and blend until mostly smooth with a few small chunks.
  19. Transfer the applesauce to a serving dish.
  20. Garnish the latkes with chopped chives if desired, and serve warm with applesauce and optional sour cream.