Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Peel and rinse the potatoes, then grate on the large holes of a box grater into a colander set over a large bowl. Grate the onion into the colander; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Squeeze the potato mixture with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible, transferring the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate as you go. Wipe out the bowl. Blot the potato mixture dry with paper towels and return to the dry bowl.

Step 2

Peel the beet and grate on the large holes of the box grater; add to the bowl with the potato mixture. Add the egg, matzo meal and parsley and stir to combine. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the potato mixture and tightly pack into 1-inch pancakes (about 24); transfer to a large plate.

Step 3

Heat 1/4 inch schmaltz or vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the pancakes and fry until browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and keep warm in the oven (or serve at room temperature). Top as desired.