Recipe: Crispy Traditional Potato Pancakes (thin and crisp, no flour or fillers, freeze ahead)

CRISPY TRADITIONAL POTATO PANCAKES

"Ever since I visited a tiny French village in the Ardeche where I tasted a "craque," an extraordinary crisp, thin potato pancake as large as a plate, I have changed my view of the taste of potato pancakes. For me they should be thin and crisp. This is only possible if you squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potato, omit flour or matzo meal as fillers and gently flatten the pancakes on a very hot skillet. Although the taste of hand-grated potato latkes is superior to that of those grated in the food processor, the difference is definitely marginal. So don't feel guilty if you don't want to use elbow grease and cut your fingers."

2 lbs. russet (baking) or Yukon Gold potatoes
1 medium onion
1/2 cup chopped scallions including the green part
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Peel the potatoes and put in cold water. Using a grater or a food processor, coarsely grate the potatoes and onions. Place together in a fine mesh strainer or tea towel and squeeze out all the water over a bowl. The potato starch will settle to the bottom. Reserve that after you have carefully poured off the water.

Mix the potato and onion with the potato starch. Add the scallions, eggs and salt and pepper.

Heat a griddle or skillet and coat with a thin film of vegetable oil. Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture in the palm of your hand and flatten as best you can. Place the potato mixture on the griddle, flatten with a large spatula and fry for a few minutes until golden. (If you have trouble getting the mixture into the hot oil, try putting the mixture on the spatula and gently sliding it onto the griddle or into the frying pan). Flip the pancake over and brown the other side.

Remove to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately.

TO FREEZE AHEAD:
You can also freeze the potato pancakes and crisp them up in a 350 degree F oven at a later time.

Makes about 2 dozen pancakes
Adapted from source: Jewish Cooking in America by Joan Nathan