Traditionally, Latkes are served with applesauce and sour cream . ... You can even turn your latkes into a meal by serving them with hearty toppings such as smoked salmon or baharat-spiced tofu for a vegan Hanukkah menu option.
Can anyone eat latkes?
In short, latkes are generally consumed on Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days in the story of the event Hanukkah comemorates, the rededication of the Holy Temple.
How are latkes eaten?
If there’s a secret to getting latkes right, it’s straining out extra liquid. The mixture is formed into patties, which are first fried on the griddle, then deep fried in oil (they use canola oil at Russ & Daughters). They’re meant to be eaten crispy and warm.
Why are latkes eaten with applesauce?
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah by consuming fried foods like latkes, as well as other foods cooked in oil during the eight-day holiday. ... The applesauce conceals the oiliness of the potato , while creating an explosion of fall food flavors in your mouth.
How did latkes become a Hanukkah tradition that is still eaten today?
Of course we associate potato latkes with Hanukkah, but in reality latkes descends from Italian pancakes that were made with ricotta cheese . ... After the Spanish expelled the Jews from Sicily in 1492, the exiles introduced their ricotta cheese pancakes, which were called cassola in Rome, to the Jews of northern Italy.
What do latkes eat with?
You can always keep things simple and serve latkes with applesauce , or with sour cream and lox — maybe even a spoonful of caviar if you’re feeling fancy. You could also go the all-fried food route.
Why are latkes fried in oil?
Crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes with decadent (that’s a euphemism for fattening) toppings. Why latkes? The simple answer is that they’re meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah .
Why do you eat sour cream with latkes?
Other than taste preferences, since latkes are traditionally served at dinnertime and often with a meaty meal like brisket, families who keep kosher wouldn’t eat their latkes with a dairy product like sour cream because you can’t have beef and dairy in the same meal .
What do latkes symbolize?
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. ... Making latkes is one way in which the Hanukkah is celebrated.
Why we eat latkes on Hanukkah?
Crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes with decadent (that’s a euphemism for fattening) toppings. Why latkes? The simple answer is that they’re meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah . ... Centuries after the fact, Jews were told to celebrate by eating foods cooked in oil.
When did Jews start eating latkes?
The latke, it turns out, has its roots in an old Italian Jewish custom, documented as early as the 14th century . That, it seems, is where Jews first fried pancakes to celebrate Hannukah. Only back then, they were made of cheese.
Why do we eat fried food on Hanukkah?
Why fried? ... Fried foods, like potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts, are prepared and eaten throughout the holiday to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah: oil that kept the menorah (an ancient lamp) lit for 8 days instead of the 1 day it was supposed to last.
What can I top latkes with?
- Dijon Horseradish Roast Beef Crostini. ...
- Kale and Apple Salad. ...
- Creamy Tricolor Slaw. ...
- Creamy Carrot Soup. ...
- Root Vegetable Latkes with Beet Applesauce.
What is the traditional meal for Hanukkah?
During the Hanukkah holiday, families eat latkes (potato pancakes) , sufganiyot (round jelly doughnuts), and other foods to celebrate the miracle of the Festival of Lights.
What’s the difference between potato latkes and potato pancakes?
Latkes are usually made with eggs , a little milk, flour or matzo meal and baking powder. Potato pancakes turn up in most European cultures, from Polish placki to Swedish rarakor, German kartoffelpuffer and Irish boxty. ... Most have egg as a binder, but not all have flour or baking powder.
What’s the best oil to fry latkes in?
Stick to canola or peanut oil , which both have high enough smoke points to fry up a mess of latkes.
