What are Latkes? Everything to Know | Goldbelly (2024)

Published on September 20th, 2023
Updated on January 11th, 2024

GOLDEN BROWN, CRISPY LATKES AREN’T JUST A HANUKKAH HOLIDAY FOOD

We love potatoes and one of our favorite ways to eat potatoes is by making latkes. Latkes are patties of potatoes fried to a perfect golden brown. If you have been to a diner or deli, particularly a Jewish restaurant, then you’ve come across them on a menu.

These potato fritters are served as an appetizer or side dish, but for us, we don’t mind eating them as the main meal too. There a latke to love about latkes.

Read More: What Is a Knish?

History of Latkes

Latkes are steeped in tradition and they are an important part of the Jewish faith. The foods that are eaten during Jewish holidays usually play two roles. These special foods nourish and symbolize historical events or challenges faced by the Jews.

For many, these fried potatoes are a must at Hanukkah, the festival of lights. During the winter holiday, latkes symbolize what Jews consider a miracle during the Maccabean Revolt in 164 BC when the Maccabeans captured Jerusalem. The miracle is that the menorah in the Second Temple in Jerusalem was able to stay lit for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day.

It wasn’t until centuries later that these potato fritters became a part of Jewish high holiday food traditions.

Read More: The Best Jewish Foods for the High Holidays

These potato patties are fun to make, especially with friends or family. Everyone can take turns grating the potatoes and frying them to a crispy, golden brown.

Latkes are often served with:

• Applesauce
• Crème fraiche
• Smoked salmon
• Sour cream

What’s the Difference Between Latkes and Potato Pancakes?

The difference between latkes and potato pancakes are the ingredients and their origin. Latkes come from Italy and potato pancakes come from Eastern Europe.

Latkes and potato pancakes are similar in that they both are made with:

• Potatoes
• eggs
• Onions (optional)

Latkes are made with additional ingredients:

• Matzo meal (flour can also be used)
• Baking powder
• Milk (optional)

Both are made by placing about a quarter inch of oil in a pan. Then, a scoop of potato mixture or latke batter is added to the pan. Finally, these potato patties are flattened with a spatula and fried. It’s common to use oil olive to make latkes even though it does not have as high enough smoke points as other oils like canola oil.
Hanukkah occurs at the end of the oil-pressing season. The oil is also symbolic of the oil used to keep the menorah lit at the Second Temple of Jerusalem. The oil used at the temple was likely olive oil.

Are Hash Browns and Latkes the Same Thing?

No, hash browns and latkes are not the same thing. Although they contain similar ingredients like shredded potatoes and they are cooked in a frying pan, they are not the same.

Hash browns are shredded potatoes and onions that are scattered in a pan and pan fried. They can also be formed into a patty and deep fried.

When comparing hash browns to latkes and potato pancakes, hash browns require the fewest ingredients. Latke recipes include a binder like egg. They may sometimes have seasoning like onion plus matzo meal, baking powder, and sometimes milk.

Can You Eat Latkes Outside of Hanukkah?

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. It was after an Italian rabbi included these golden pancakes as appropriate to eat during Hanukkah that the holiday tradition began.

We love these crispy fried potato rounds any day of the year whether for breakfast, a snack, or lunch and dinner appetizers

Most Famous Latkes

America’s top delis and restaurants are frying up the most lovable latkes.

We love potatoes a latke! America’s best delicatessens and restaurants are shipping their famous latkes nationwide on Goldbelly!