Zaatar Herb Potato Latkes Recipes

HERBED POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• In a food processor grate the potatoes. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and transfer potatoes to the sieve. Set sieve over a bowl, twist cheesecloth into a pouch, squeezing out some moisture. Let mixture drain for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour off liquid from the bowl but leave the white potato starch that settles in the bottom of the bowl.
• To that starch add shallots, eggs, flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and freshly ground pepper. Return drained potatoes to this mixture and toss to combine.
• Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking pan with paper towels. When you are ready to eat, in a large skillet heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium high heat until hot. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of potato mixture and cook for 3 to 4 minutes a side; latkes should be golden and crisp on both sides. Eat right away or keep warm in oven.

CLASSIC POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Coarsley grate the potatoes and onion into a large bowl, or use a food processor with a coarse grating blade. Leave the mixture to rest for about 15 mins so the liquid releases from the onions and potatoes. Carefully drain off the liquid for about 30 mins until the mixture is dry, then put in a cheese cloth and squeeze out the remaining liquid.
• Add the eggs, flour, 1 tsp sea salt and pepper, and mix well. Pour the oil into the pan so that it is 2-3cm deep. Set over a medium heat for a few minutes until it ripples.
• Carefully spoon in the mixture to the size you want - 2 tbsp for large latkes or 1 tbsp for small. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook on each side until browned for 2 mins. Remove to a plate lined with kitchen paper, then season with a sprinkling of salt. Serve with the soured cream and smoked salmon, finished with a sprinkling of chives, or just apple sauce - both are traditional.

POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Coarsely grate potatoes and onion; squeeze mixture to remove as much liquid as possible. Place in a bowl; add green onions, egg, salt and pepper. , In a cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1/8 in. of oil to 375°. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Flatten to form patties. Fry until golden brown; turn and cook the other side. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with toppings.

ZA'ATAR ROASTED POTATOES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine potatoes and olive oil in a large bowl and mix well. Sprinkle potatoes with za'atar, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet.
• Set baking sheet on the lowest rack of a cold oven and heat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roast until potatoes are golden brown and tender, 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through.

ZA'ATAR & HERB POTATO LATKES

Steps:

• Using a food processor with a grating insert or a box grater, grate the washed, unpeeled potatoes and transfer to a large bowl of very cold water. Grate the onion into a bowl.
• Scoop the grated potatoes out of the water using your hands, shaking off the excess water, and put the potato and onion on a clean, dry tea towel or muslin cloth. Thoroughly wring out the excess liquid over the bowl of water, reserving the liquid. You want the mixture to be as dry as possible.
• Transfer the potato and onion mixture to a large, dry bowl and add the egg, matzo meal, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, the za'atar and most of the herbs. Carefully pour out the potato water from the bowl, keeping the white potato starch that will have sunk to the bottom. Add the starch to the grated potato mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
• Pour about 1½cm depth of oil into a large frying pan, and set it over a medium heat. Allow it to get hot - a cube of bread should turn golden in a minute. Scoop heaped tablespoons of potato mixture from the bowl and press down firmly to release any more water. Flatten and carefully add to the pan, about 2cm apart. Do not overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil will drop.
• Flatten the latkes again with a fish slice and leave to cook until crisp and dark golden underneath - about 4-5 mins, then turn them over. Cook for a further 4-5 mins until both sides are golden brown, and the potato and onion are cooked through.
• Transfer the latkes to plates or baking sheets lined with kitchen paper and sprinkle with a little salt. If you are making a large batch, keep them warm in a low oven. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. You may need to top up the oil during the cooking process.
• To make the lemon tahini sauce, mix the tahini, yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. As you stir, it will thicken up and become gluey. Gradually add cold water, a teaspoon at a time, stirring after each addition, until you have a pouring consistency. Season to taste and serve the latkes drizzled with the sauce.