Often referred to as a potato pancakes, latkes are a huge part of the Jewish Hanukkah culinary tradition. Latkes symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah, as they are fried in oil. On Hanukkah, the Jewish people celebrate the wonder of a one-day supply of holy temple oil burning for eight days. Latkes are an essential dish during the holiday season. While many people opt for the traditional potato latke, I prefer a more unique sweet potato latke. Below is a recipe that is guaranteed to make mouths water!
Latkes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled
1 large onion, peeled
3 eggs
½ cup of rice flour
1/8 tsp fresh-grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and fresh-cracked black pepper
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
Directions:
1. Grate the sweet potatoes.
Photo by Ali Greenberg
2. Chop onions (grating releases too much moisture).
Photo by Ali Greenberg
3. Place the grated potatoes in a strainer. Using the back of a wooden spoon, press against the potatoes to draw out the excess moisture.
4. Combine potatoes and onions in a medium bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add this mixture to the bowl with the onions and potatoes.
Photo by Ali Greenberg
6. Beat the three eggs and add to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all of the ingredients are combined.
7. Heat a large skillet on high and add the vegetable oil.
8. Working in batches, drop the latke mixture into the hot oil. Each portion should be about 2-3 tablespoons.
9. Flatten each latke so that it has a pancake-like shape. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until edges are crispy (depends on how crispy you like your latkes).
Photo by Ali Greenberg
10. Flip and fry the other side for 5-6- minutes.
11. Remove from heat and place latkes on a paper towel to remove extra grease.
12. Serve immediately with condiments.
Photo by Ali Greenberg
The classic potato latke is normally topped off with either a sweet applesauce or savory sour cream. While these are great choices, I’ve come up with two options that are great pairings for your sweet potato latkes. These are guaranteed to take your latkes to a whole new level.
Apricot Dijon
Ingredients:
¾ cup of apricot preserves
¼ cup of orange juice
1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
1 tbsp of course ground mustard
½ tsp of kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized saucepan.
2. Whisk together until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and let simmer until the concoction begins to thicken (about 4 to 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and enjoy!
Photo by Allie Bloom
Chipotle Mayo
Ingredients:
¾ cup of mayo
1 tbsp of fresh lime juice
½ tsp of old bay seasoning
2-3 tsps canned chipotles in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from can)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Stir together all of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
Photo by Allie Bloom
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