It might be hard to believe that mere potato pancakes can symbolize the hardships and strife that the Jews have endured. These potato pancakes (called latkes) are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil of the menorah in the ransacked Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. The symbolism comes in the form of the oil in which latkes are fried. Over a thousand years later, this miracle is still being celebrated by Jews across the world. Making latkes is one way in which the Hanukkah is celebrated. As a result of this, the tradition of making latkes is maintained in my family, and is typically a task that falls into the hands of my grandma. Every Hanukkah, my grandma’s latke recipe is used, whether the latkes are made by my grandma herself, my dad, or someone else in the family. The recipe is simple; first potatoes are grated and mixed with egg or some other binding ingredient, onions might be included in the mixture if desired. Afterwards, the potato mixture is formed into small circular pancake-like shapes. Finally, the pancakes are fried in oil until hot and crispy. Latkes are typically eaten dipped in sour cream or applesauce. Making latkes is a Jewish tradition that has been passed down for centuries, and has found itself in my family. In conclusion, latkes are important to me because they help preserve my family’s heritage, and they also taste really good.
Place(s): New York
– Wade Wichard
Relationship: Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant
FAQs
Potato pancakes have a creamy, almost mashed-potato-like center, with a thin, golden, crisp exterior. Latkes, on the other hand, should have a deeply browned crust, with wispy, lacy edges. Latkes also aren't hash browns.
Why are latkes important to Jews? ›
These potato pancakes (called latkes) are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil of the menorah in the ransacked Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. The symbolism comes in the form of the oil in which latkes are fried.
What do Jews eat with latkes? ›
Sprinkle with more salt, if desired, and serve latkes with applesauce and/or sour cream (or dairy free sour cream).
How are latkes different from hash browns? ›
When comparing hash browns to latkes and potato pancakes, hash browns require the fewest ingredients. Latke recipes include a binder like egg. They may sometimes have seasoning like onion plus matzo meal, baking powder, and sometimes milk.
What kind of oil do you use to fry latkes? ›
Fry in an oil with a high smoke point
Vegetable oil or canola oil is usually best, because of its high smoking point. Latkes were traditionally made with schmaltz, or chicken fat, so if you have access to it, you should certainly add it in, because it does contribute to the flavor.
How do you keep potato pancakes from falling apart? ›
The egg and flour in this recipe help bind the potato pancakes and keep them from falling apart. Also, make sure they are fully cooked on one side before trying to flip them over. What ingredient keeps pancakes from falling apart? The eggs keep the mixture moist while the flour helps bind everything together.
How do you eat latkes? ›
Applesauce and sour cream are the traditional accoutrements for latkes. Some load their potato pancakes up with both toppings, while others have strong feelings about one over the other. (I'm Team Applesauce, all the way.)
Can you eat latkes anytime? ›
These crispy little potato pancakes make a wonderful appetizer or a great side dish all year long.
What holiday do you eat latkes on? ›
A common explanation is that we eat latkes (potato pancakes) because they are cooked in oil and this remind us of the miracle that a single cruse of oil found in the Temple lasted for eight nights.
What are latkes called in Israel? ›
Its Modern Hebrew name, levivah (לְבִיבָה levivá), plural levivot, is a revival of a word used in the Book of Samuel to describe a dumpling made from kneaded dough, part of the story of Amnon and Tamar.
What to eat with those Latkes!
- Slow Roasted Pot Roast. I published this post last year & thought I would make this roast today so I am sharing the post again! ...
- Roasted Chuck Steak …. delish!!!!! ...
- Beef Stew in the Instant Pot ( or use a saucepan …. ...
- Apricot Tzimmes Brisket. ...
- Wine-Braised Brisket. ...
- Simple Roast Chicken.
What is the difference between Boxty and latkes? ›
Boxty is different from other potato pancakes or latkes, and you'll see that once you bite into one and notice the crispy hash brown-like outside and soft, dough-like inside.
Is Rosti the same as latke? ›
Latkes are very similar to the rösti, but also incorporate egg and flour into the pancakes, and are pan-fried in canola oil instead of clarified butter. How do I get my rösti super crispy? Frying in clarified butter is what gives the rösti its beautifully crip exterior while the interior remains buttery.
Why are latkes served with applesauce and sour cream? ›
The sweet tang of applesauce adds a contrasty punch to the potatoes and green onions, which make up latkes, while also cutting the grease from frying them. On the other hand, sour cream, while also adding its own version of tartness, can weigh the fried potato cakes down with dairy.
What's another name for a potato pancake? ›
A latke is a small pancake usually made with grated potatoes. Latkes are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Most latkes are crispy little potato pancakes that are served with apple sauce or sour cream during the eight days of Hanukkah.
What do latkes taste like? ›
"The flavor is potato, really just salty in a good way, maybe a little hint of onion. It's really just a nice fried, crispy soft potato with a little salt." This, of course, is the simple and traditional latke. As a cookbook author and food blogger, Kritzer gets creative with her latkes, too.
What are German potato pancakes made of? ›
Beat eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl; stir in potatoes and onion. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of potato mixture into hot oil in batches. Press to flatten.