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.
What is the symbolism of latkes? ›
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.
Are latkes basically hash browns? ›
Latkes are basically Jewish hash browns. Traditionally served around Hanukkah (our Festival of Lights), these shallow-fried potato pancakes can be dressed up or served simply as a perfect comfort food.
What is the best oil for latkes? ›
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.
Are latkes sephardic or ashkenazi? ›
Latkes are consumed by Ashkenazi Jews (those from eastern Europe) to celebrate Hanukah.
What ethnicity is latke? ›
Historically, Jews in Central and Southern Europe cooked kaese (cheese) latkes, and Jews in Eastern Europe made latkes from buckwheat or rye flour.
Why do Jews eat potato latkes? ›
As the potato became popular in eastern Europe, it was quickly adopted to the point that today, latke is almost synonymous with potatoes. The latke is traditionally prepared during the Hanukkah holiday to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem lasting eight days.
Why do people eat latkes with apple sauce? ›
Tart and fruity applesauce—unsweetened is best—cuts through the grease and lightens them right up, leaving you feeling perfectly satisfied, but not stuffed. Sure, sour cream is tart too, but since it's dairy, it can weigh down the latkes—adding unwanted heft to an already filling meal.
When should I eat latke? ›
Latkes, those beloved crispy potato pancakes, hold a special place in many homes (and hearts), especially during the Hanukkah celebrations.
What to eat with latkes? ›
The best side dishes to serve with latkes are Greek yogurt, garden salad, smoked cod, applesauce, tzatziki sauce, sufganiyot, stuffed mushrooms, poached egg, brisket, cucumber salad, herring, red onion marmalade, roasted beet salad, sour cream, chicken soup, and lox.
Why latkes? The simple answer is that they're meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah.
What protein to serve with latkes? ›
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.
“Onions can help block oxidation by coating some of the potato cells” Don Odiorne VP of Foodservice said. That's why some cooks alternate adding potatoes and onion to the mixture rather than doing all the potatoes first.
Why do my latkes fall apart? ›
Your Latkes Fall Apart
Luckily, the fix for both of these problems is the same: add some more starch — ideally in the form of matzo meal — which will soak up that extra moisture and bind the ingredients together more tightly. Flour works too, but it sticks together and makes for denser latkes.
What grater to use for latkes? ›
Grate them by hand using the large holes on a cheese grater. Or, for the greatest ease, use the grater blade on a food processor: place the potato in the large feed tube, lock into place, turn on, and push through. Repeat with the other potatoes.
What is another name for potato pancakes? ›
Potato pancakes are associated with almost every European cuisine and are referred to as a variety of names including latkes (Jewish culture), kartoffelpuffer (Germany), bramborak (Slovakia and Czech Republic), draniki (Austria), tattifish (England) and rosti (Switzerland) (“Potato Pancake Background”, n.d).
Why do they make potato pancakes on Hanukkah? ›
Kolatch, Jews eat potato latkes during the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday “because they are fried in oil, and oil symbolizes the miracle of the cruse of oil which lasted for eight days instead of one. Latkes are called fasputshes or pontshkes by some Ashkenazim.
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.
What kind of potatoes are best for latkes? ›
Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes, or baking potatoes, are high in starch and have a dry, mealy texture. This type of potato is best for latkes because the dryness of the potato is partially responsible for that desirable, crispy texture. Yellow onion: Yellow onion adds a savory flavor to the latkes.
