Peel potatoes and coarsely grate by hand, transferring to a large bowl of cold water. After last grated batch is added to water, soak potatoes for 2 minutes, then drain well in a colander.
Spread grated potatoes on a kitchen towel and mix with the grated onion. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible.
In a medium bowl, mix the egg, flour, salt, and pepper until the flour is well blended.
Fill a frying pan with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil and heat until hot.
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into the oil. Flatten each scoop with a spatula.
Cook for 3-5 minutes until the edges are brown and then flip and cook another 3-5 minutes to brown the other side.
Transfer the latkes to a plate lined with paper towels and drain excess oil from pan. Sprinkle finished latkes with more salt.
Accompany with crème fraîche, applesauce, and chives. Enjoy!
Make Ahead of Time:
Latkes can be fried earlier in the day, then recrisp in the oven on baking sheet at 350°F.