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10 Inventive Latke Recipes for Upping Your Hanukkah Game
The fried potato latke is something of a celebrity at the Hanukkah dinner table. Why? Because of the oil. And because of the role oil played in the legend of the rededication of the holy Jerusalem temple. Hey, I’m not going to argue with that. An eight-night-long holiday celebrated with fried food is nothing to grumble over. Let’s mix things up a bit, though. How about Brussels sprouts latkes? Or beet latkes? Or we can keep things traditional with white potatoes — and then just fry them in duck fat. Because we’re out of control. And because we are hungry. This Hanukkah, add these 10 great latkes to your recipe box. You won’t be disappointed.
Image: My Name is Yeh
Sweet Potato Latkes with Brown Sugar Syrup & Candied Pecans
In honor of Thanksgivukkah, make these sweet potato latkes from The Shiksa in the Kitchen. With brown sugar syrup and candied pecans, these treats tip their hats to the season’s traditional sweet potato casserole. I don’t hate it.
Image: The Shiksa in the Kitchen
Brussels Sprout Latkes with Balsamic Dijon Sour Cream
Mid-Hanukkah, you may find yourself in need of a brief potato detox. If that’s the case, try these pretty green Brussels sprouts latkes from My Name Is Yeh. You can even substitute chickpea flour in this recipe to make these guys gluten-free. Serve them up with Molly’s balsamic Dijon sour cream for extra nosh-power. You are so smart.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Potato Latkes Fried in Duck Fat
At first glance, these spuds appear to be your traditional Hanukkah latkes. Until you realize that they’re fried in duck fat. Undoubtedly, this recipe from Yum Sugar is the very best way to celebrate Hanukkah’s miracle of oil.
Image: kthread/Flickr
Beet Latkes with Scallion and Cayenne Creme Fraiche
These beet latkes from Food & Style are pretty in pink — and they're a delicious addition to your latke wheelhouse. Serve them up with scallions and spicy cayenne crème fraîche for a dish that surprises twice.
Image: Food & Style
Asian Kimchi Latkes
Craving Asian flavors, but don’t want to drop the Hanukkah ball completely? Dress up your favorite latke recipe with chopped scallions, kimchi, sesame oil, and ginger to reproduce these spuds from My Name is Yeh. They’re Hanukkah gone global.
Image: My Name is Yeh
Apple Spice Latkes with Cinnamon Yogurt and Caramel Sauces:
These sweet little latkes from What Jew Wanna Eat are the veritable love child of the Hanukkah potato latke and the Thanksgiving apple pie — could there be a more perfect union? Serve them up with cinnamon yogurt and caramel sauce for the full effect.
Image: What Jew Wanna Eat
Greek-Style ‘Spanolatkes’
These spanakopita-inspired latkes from Love U Madly are all Greeked-out with spinach, fresh dill, and feta cheese. Served up with a deliciously creamy tzatziki dipping sauce, your guests will be sure to appreciate your latkes’ international insights.
Image: Love U Madly
Baked Delicata Squash Latkes
Your decision to forgo the fried potato latke in favor of a more healthful, baked alternative may be met with scorn and concern by the people who you are planning to feed. That is, unless you serve them these baked delicata squash latkes from 3 Pastries a Day. And according to the laws of fat and calories, baking these little guys means you can have a second helping of sufjaniyot.
Image: 3 Pastries a Day
Butternut Squash and Leek Latkes with Pan-Roasted Cumin
No white potato here either — just plenty of fresh, nutritious butternut squash and pretty little green chops of leek. This recipe from Food & Style is sure to wake up your latke repertoire. Their secret weapon? Pan-roasted cumin seeds.
Image: Food & Style
Root Vegetable Latkes and Cranberries with Red Wine
What else does your Hanukkah need? These root veggie latkes with cranberry red wine sauce. In this recipe from It's Not Easy Eating Green, celeriac is mixed with sweet potato, carrot, white potato, and parsnip to achieve a stronghold of tastes and textures. Serve these up with a sweet Thanksgiving-adjacent cranberry sauce and you’ll be good to go for any Thanksgivukkah feast this year.
Image: It's Not Easy Eating Green
