Ashkenazi Potato Latkes

These delicious potato pancakes are a highlight of Hanukkah get-togethers.

Ingredients (makes 25 pancakes)

5 potatoes, grated coarsely
2 onions, grated finely
1 carrot, grated coarsely (optional)
3 eggs
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of grated nutmeg
Oil for frying

Thoroughly squeeze the grated potatoes, onions and carrots and mix. Add the eggs, breadcrumbs and spices and mix again.

Heat the oil in a frying pan. Heap spoonfuls of the mix into the pan and pat them down to form pancakes. Fry for 2 minutes, turn over and fry for another minute until golden. Drain on paper towel and serve hot.

photo: Eilon Paz ("The Book of New Israeli Food")