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Asian Potato Latkes

4.1

(7)

Editor's note:
This recipe is adapted from chef Joseph Poon. He also shared some helpful cooking tips exclusively with Epicurious, which we've added at the bottom of the page.

To read more about Poon and Cantonese cuisine, click here.

In Hong Kong, the Cantonese have developed what are called Hong Kong-style coffeeshops, which serve Western foods with a Cantonese interpretation. In this easy fusion recipe, chef Poon offers a classic example of what might be found in one of these shops — a Western dish with the surprising flavors of cilantro and ginger.

Chef Joseph Poon shares his tips with Epicurious:

·A chef's secret for peeling the ginger: Scrape it with the edge of a teaspoon.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 65 pancakes

Ingredients

4 large all-purpose potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (about 1 small bunch)
1/4 cup fresh ginger, finely chopped (1 ounce, about a 2-inch piece)
2 cups dry Italian breadcrumbs, plus additional, if needed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Coarsely grate potatoes with a hand grater or in a food processor fitted with coarse grating disk. Squeeze between several thicknesses of paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

    Step 2

    Transfer potatoes to bowl of an electric mixer, add cilantro and ginger, and toss with a spoon. Stir in breadcrumbs, cream, and butter, and season with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Using paddle attachment, beat mixture at low speed for 2 minutes to blend. If mixture seems too wet to form into balls, beat in more breadcrumbs, a few teaspoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Let the mixture rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

    Step 4

    Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat without any oil. Using a tablespoon, form mixture into 1-inch balls. Place 6 to 8 balls in skillet and cook, pressing gently with spatula to flatten, until undersides are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn pancakes over and continue to cook, pressing occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.

    Step 5

    Use remaining batter to make more pancakes in same manner. Serve warm.

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