Potato Latkes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between potato pancakes and latkes? ›

The potato pancake is much simpler, with nothing but raw grated potatoes, egg, and all-purpose flour. The latke, on the other hand, adds baking powder, matzo meal, and even a splash of milk, according to Cooktoria. Surprisingly, the potato pancake has a longer preparation time due to the simplicity of its batter.

No, hash browns and latkes are not the same thing. Although they contain similar ingredients like shredded potatoes and they are cooked in a frying pan, they are not the same. Hash browns are shredded potatoes and onions that are scattered in a pan and pan fried.

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.

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.) However, this Hanukkah, don't feel constrained by these standard-bearers.

A latke (Yiddish: לאַטקע latke; sometimes romanized latka, lit. "pancake") is a type of potato pancake or fritter in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine that is traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah.

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.

Pesach Dieters, Take Note: You Can Have Your Potato—and Eat It, Too! - Kosher for Passover.

Latkes are consumed by Ashkenazi Jews (those from eastern Europe) to celebrate Hanukah.

By the way, you don't have to be Jewish or actually celebrate Hanukkah to love latkes. These crispy little potato pancakes make a wonderful appetizer or a great side dish all year long.

Do you eat latkes with applesauce or sour cream? ›

Tradition says so. Latkes are usually served at dinnertime along with a meaty main, like brisket. Mixing milk and meat at the same meal is a no-no for those who keep kosher, so sour cream would be out as a latke condiment leaving the underdog apple sauce victorious.

The Standard: Applesauce or Sour Cream

You can't go wrong with cool applesauce and sour cream. The sweetness of the applesauce balances out the oil, and for a creamy match to salty latkes, sour cream plays a perfect counterpart. Even better? Try making your own applesauce to pair with it.

/ˈlɑtkə/ 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.

Latkes, otherwise known as potato pancakes (latkes in Yiddish and livivot in Hebrew) and doughnuts (sufganiyot in Hebrew) are traditional Hanukkah treats because they are cooked in oil and are symbolic of the miracle of the holiday.

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.

The latke, it turns out, has its roots in an old Italian Jewish custom, documented as early as the 14th century.