I NEVER use recipes when I cook (only when I bake) so this is flexible. Just because it is Chanukkah, and these are a traditional treat...not intended to be nutritionally sound, and no info about such things during the holidays...
4 large baking (Idaho) potatoes
1 large onion (whatever kind you like. I use Bermuda or Vidalia for the sweetness)
1 carrot (I like it for sweetness, but you can omit it)
Salt and pepper
1 Egg
Bread crumbs or matzoh meal (more traditional if you have it in the house...)
Oil or schmaltz (chicken fat...if I need to expiain it, you're better off using olive oil, anyway. I do. But the flavor is not to be believed if you use the schmaltz! There is also a product called "Nyafat" which is onion flavored schmaltz...even better!)
Use your food processor to grate the veggies. Otherwise, you'll be cursing at me! Take them out of the processor, and put them on a clean kitchen towel. Apply salt to your taste and discretion. Potatoes can take a lot of salt. Let them stand for a few minutes. The salt will draw out some water. Squeeze the liquid out before adding the other ingredients.
Put salted veggies into a mixing bowl. Add the egg. Before adding the crumbs, stir the mixture. Add around a large handful of crumbs to bind things together. The less the better, but you need to be able to mold this into patties. Add pepper. Form patties. Heat pan with oil/fat...should be about 1/2 inch deep, and on medium heat. Remember, you are cooking raw potatoes, and you want them done. Patties can be made any size that works for you...they make great appetizers, too. Fry until done (time will depend on the size) they are done when golden brown. Best served with sour cream or apples sauce. Even better with creme fraiche and caviar, but that is NOT traditional!
Variation: You can substitute sweet potatoes for the bakers. And then use 2 parsnips and a carrot. Great sweetness there! And use cinnamon and nutmeg in the mixture to season. Still, salt the veggies to draw out the moisture, and squeeze to remove. These are great with sour cream mixed with maple syrup...YUM! Or apple sauce is more traditional.
ENJOY! Yeah...I know there is a lot of wiggle room in the "recipe," but cooking is supposed to be FUN!