Crispy latkes create tasty base for toppings
2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley Vegetable oil
Adjust oven rack to middle position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 200 degrees. Toss potatoes, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt in bowl. Place half of mixture in center of dish towel. Gather ends together and twist tightly to drain as much liquid as possible, reserving liquid in liquid measuring cup. Transfer drained mixture to second bowl and repeat process with remaining mixture. Set potato liquid aside and let stand so starch settles to bottom, at least five minutes.
Cover mixture and microwave until just warmed through but not hot, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring with fork every 30 seconds. Spread mixture evenly over second rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 10 minutes. Don’t wash bowl.
Pour off water from reserved potato liquid, leaving potato starch in measuring cup. Add eggs and stir until smooth. Return cooled potato mixture to bowl. Add parsley, ¼ teaspoon pepper and potato-starch mixture and toss until evenly combined.
Set wire rack in clean rimmed baking sheet and line with triple layer of paper towels. Add oil to 12-inch skillet until it measures about ¼-inch deep and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (350 degrees).
Place ¼-cup mound of potato mixture in oil and press with nonstick spatula into inch-thick disk. Repeat until five latkes are in pan.
Cook, adjusting heat so fat bubbles around latke edges, until golden brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn and continue cooking until golden brown on second side, about 3 minutes longer. Drain on paper towels and transfer to baking sheet in oven.
Repeat with remaining potato mixture, adding oil to maintain ¼-inch depth and returning oil to 350 degrees between batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Note: Cooled latkes can be covered loosely with plastic wrap and held at room temperature for up to 4 hours or frozen on baking sheet until firm, transferred to zipper-top bag, and frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat latkes in 375-degree oven until crisp and hot, 3 minutes per side for room temperature and 6 minutes per side for frozen.
PER SERVING: 280 calories, 8 g protein, 42 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 10 g fat (1 g saturated), 108 mg cholesterol, 324 mg sodium Brown rice salad with asparagus and goat cheese