These Crispy, Golden-Brown Latkes Are The Only Recipe You Need For Your Hanukkah Celebration (2024)

FAQs

Why is it traditionally said that latkes are eaten while celebrating Hanukkah? ›

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.

Latkes are pan-fried potato pancakes made from grated potatoes and onion, an egg, and a binder, such as matzo meal or breadcrumbs. Their crispy exterior and a light, creamy inside are all thanks to being pan-fried in a generous amount of fat.

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.

Yes, you can eat latkes outside of Hanukkah. When these potato patties were first created, they were not tied to the Jewish high holiday. Latkes are a food derived from Italian pancakes made with ricotta cheese.

There is no pork or shellfish allowed, and Jews will not mix meat and dairy in the same meal, so if a chicken is on the table, you won't find butter or cheese.

They found a jug of oil that only contained enough fuel to keep the Temple's lamps lit for one day. However, the oil lasted for eight whole days! This miracle is the reason we eat foods fried in oil to celebrate Hanukkah and remember the Maccabees.

An important part of the Hanukkah tradition is to serve foods fried in oil, which symbolizes a miracle: After the Maccabee tribe recaptured ancient Jerusalem, the lamp in the temple appeared to hold only enough oil for one night yet continued to burn for eight days.

In the Ashkenazi tradition, there are two staple foods of the Hanukkah period: Latkes and doughnuts. A latke, for the uninitiated, is somewhere between a hash brown, a rosti, and a potato pancake. Jewish people began eating latkes as a Hanukkah food in the middle ages, when they were a sort of fried cheese pancake.

Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten. Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs (which cannot be eaten) Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy.

Smoked Salmon and Latkes

As fried foods are often the theme during Hanukkah, latkes represent a classic. Already an Acme Smoked Fish Hanukkah favorite, the addition of smoked salmon, crème fraiche, red onion, and capers make this Hanukkah dish feel like the holiday on a plate.

Do you eat bagels for Hanukkah? ›

And even though you may see some favorite Jewish foods like brisket, roasted chicken, bagels, smoked salmon, or kugel served at a Hanukkah meal, none of these foods have a specific tie to the holiday itself.

From crispy latkes to tangy brisket to jammy sufganiyot. From shallow-fried potato latkes to deep-fried jelly doughnuts, traditional Hanukkah foods hinge on oil. Typically falling in December, the Jewish holiday, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Night 2: Make a feast to last you through the week—with latkes and applesauce, jelly doughnuts (we can't guarantee these will last much longer than tomorrow at breakfast), and brisket.

Matzo is unleavened bread, reflective of the same bread taken by the Jews as they fled Egypt. Though this Jewish comfort food is usually served at Passover, many families celebrate the Festival of Lights with matzo ball soup among their Hanukkah foods as well.

They're traditionally eaten during Hanukkah, but are delicious any time of year. Made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and matzo meal (or flour), latkes are pan fried until perfectly golden brown. Serve with applesauce, sour cream, and smoked salmon.