Perfectly Crispy Vegan Potato Latkes

Vegan potato latkes have become a favorite among many who enjoy indulging in a crispy and savory treat that is both nutritious and comforting. These potato pancakes are not only delicious but also quite easy to make, making them the perfect choice for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying snack or side dish. Whether you're hosting a festive meal or simply craving some comfort food, these latkes will surely be a hit with family and friends.

Cooking time: About 30 minutes
Number of servings: Serves 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 1 kg total), peeled and grated finely
• 1 large onion, grated finely
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of salt, or to taste
• Pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional toppings: sour cream, apple sauce, or plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Begin by grating the potatoes and onions. You can use a food processor with a grater attachment or simply grate them using a box grater.

2. Mix together the grated potatoes, onion, flour (if using), salt, and pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the excess water to be absorbed by the potato.

3. Once this step is complete, form about 4-6 small pancakes from the potato mixture. Make sure that each pancake is evenly thick and has a diameter of around 7 cm.

4. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat up enough vegetable oil until it reaches approximately 180 degrees Celsius. Test the temperature by dropping in a small piece of potato; if the oil sizzles immediately, you're ready to start frying.

5. Fry the potato latkes on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. If you have more than one skillet, you might want to fry them in batches to ensure even cooking.

6. Drain excess oil from the cooked pancakes using paper towels before serving.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Vegan Potato Latkes

• Grate your potatoes freshly: For crispier latkes, try grating your potatoes just a few hours before you plan on cooking them. This will ensure that the potatoes are fresh and not overly watery.
• Dry the grated potato mixture well: Excess moisture in the potato can make it difficult to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Blotting the grated mixture with paper towels or letting it sit for a while before forming pancakes into patties can help remove some of this excess water.
• Cook at high heat: To get that golden brown and crisp exterior, cook your latkes in hot oil. You should see bubbles and hear a sizzling sound as the latkes fry.

Serve these delicious vegan potato latkes with traditional toppings such as sour cream or applesauce for an extra burst of flavor. If you're looking for something lighter, plain yogurt could be your best friend here. The combination of fresh herbs like chives and a generous sprinkle of salt can make this dish even tastier.

These crispy vegan potato latkes are not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients from the potatoes. They provide a good source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium. By substituting ingredients like eggs or milk with plant-based alternatives such as flaxseed meal or aquafaba (chickpea water), you can keep these latkes vegan-friendly while maintaining their delicious taste.

In conclusion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying them for lunch, these crispy vegan potato latkes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create this delightful dish at home. Don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings or add-ons to make it even more special.