Giant Latke Recipes

GIANT LATKE SKILLET

Steps:

• For the latke: Drape a clean dish towel (or cheesecloth) over a colander. Grate the potatoes and onion in food processor or by hand with a box grater and place inside the towel-lined colander. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss around and let drain in the sink for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the potato-onion mixture. Combine with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, matzo meal and 2 to 3 turns of black pepper in a medium bowl and mix to form a pasty mixture. Fold the dill into the mix. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on medium heat and allow to heat for 5 minutes. Also, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Add 4 tablespoons of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Flick a little piece of the potato-onion mixture into the oil; if it's hot enough, it will sizzle lightly.
• Roll the potato-onion mixture into a ball and place it in the middle of the pan. Gently press with spatula to flatten the mixture so it evenly covers the bottom of the pan. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Transfer to oven and bake for 10 minutes. By this time, the latke should be firm enough to flip without falling apart. Transfer the pan to the stove. Place a plate over the pan and carefully invert to flip the latke. Slide it back into the pan and bake for another 10 minutes.
• For the topping: To assemble, place the latke on a plate. Spread some creme fraiche over the latke, then lay the salmon slices on top in an even layer. Top with the eggs, a dash of hot sauce, a few more dollops of the creme fraiche, the dill and chopped scallions, a few turns of black pepper and a pinch of salt. Slice into wedges to serve.

PAN-FRIED GIANT LATKE WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES AND SOUR CREAM

Steps:

• Combine the apples, sugar and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl and toss to coat.
• Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until just starting to brown around the edges. Add the apples and cook, stirring often, until they are a deep, dark golden color, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Preheat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
• Peel the potatoes and shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade; transfer the shredded potatoes to a large colander as the food processor fills up. Press them firmly to remove any excess moisture, pat dry with paper towels and transfer to a large bowl.
• Grate the onion in the food processor and stir into the potatoes along with the matzo meal, egg, baking powder and 2 teaspoons salt. Immediately move to cooking the potato mixture or it will purge too much water and not be crispy.
• Add 1/4 cup of the oil to your preheated skillet and as soon as it shimmers add the potato mixture in handfuls, creating an even layer and leaving any excess moisture in the bowl. Cook until golden and crispy on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Slide the latke on to the wire rack.
• Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining 1/4 cup oil. Once it is shimmering cover the latke with a round platter or large pot lid and in one swift motion invert the rack with the latke cooked-side up onto your platter or lid. Carefully slide the latke back into the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Slide back on to the wire rack and let drain for a minute.
• Transfer the latke to a serving platter, top with the sour cream, caramelized apples and sprinkle with the herbs.