Pan-Fried Potato Latkes with Caramelized Onion and Applesauce

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

Golden, crispy potato latkes pan-fried to perfection, served with a sweet homemade applesauce for a traditional Hanukkah treat. This Middle Eastern-inspired Hanukkah recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs russet potatoes, yellow onion, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 25 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate 4 medium russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Transfer grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture until mostly dry.
  2. Step 2: Peel and finely grate 1 large yellow onion and add to the potatoes. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop potato mixture and carefully flatten into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Fry latkes in batches, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  5. Step 5: Transfer fried latkes onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Step 6: For the applesauce, combine 4 peeled and diced medium apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Step 7: Cook apples, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until soft and sauce thickens, mashing slightly with a fork or potato masher for desired consistency.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot potato latkes alongside warm homemade applesauce for dipping or spreading.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Applesauce?

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 Applesauce?

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 Applesauce 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 Applesauce?

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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