Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple

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

Golden, crispy potato latkes infused with sweet caramelized onions and tart apple, perfect for Hanukkah celebrations. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 40 minutes pairs russet potatoes, yellow onion, granny smith apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate 3 medium russet potatoes into a large bowl. Grate 1 large yellow onion and 1 medium granny smith apple and add to the potatoes. Using a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out excess moisture until the mixture is damp but not watery.
  2. Step 2: In the bowl with the grated mixture, add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the batter is cohesive.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the batter and carefully flatten into 3-inch discs in the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple?

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 Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple?

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 Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Apple?

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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