Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, fluffy potato pancakes infused with smoky paprika and fresh chives, fried to a perfect crisp for a traditional Hanukkah side. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 45 minutes pairs russet potatoes, medium onion, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater, then place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess liquid — this step is critical for crisp latkes.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes, onion, egg, flour, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
  4. Step 4: Form 4-6 patties (using a 1/4 cup measure) and press gently to flatten. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain crispness while frying remaining patties. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep russet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Potato Latkes with Smoked Paprika and Chives?

Middle Eastern hanukkah like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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