Perfect Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes, peeled (about 2 lbs.)
• 1 small onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons matzo meal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, plus additional if needed
• applesauce (optional)
• sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Grate potatoes on medium-fine grater into large bowl. Grate onion and mix with potatoes.

2. 2

   Carefully drain some of the liquid from potato m ixture. Stir in egg, matzoh meal, salt, and pepper.

3. 3

   Heat 1/2 cup shortening in large skillet over high heat until rippling.

4. 4

   For each pancake, spoon 1/4 cup potato mixture into skillet, flattening with back of spoon. Fry pancakes in single layer in batches, adding shortening if needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2-3 minutes each side. Serve pancakes immediately with applesauce and sour cream on the side, if desired.