From the beginning, latkes were always open to interpretation. Need proof? In Yiddish, the definition of latke is ‘little oily thing,’ which widens up our latke schema considerably.
In fact, it wasn’t until the late 1500s that potatoes arrived in Europe from South America. Thus, the history of creative, non-potato latkes recipes runs deep. So if you’re interested in latkes but you can’t stomach any more Yukon Gold, just grate some beets, cauliflower, or carrots, or fry up some cheese!
Plantain latkes with avocado crema (above)
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Indian-spiced cauliflower latkes with cilantro chutney
Ramen latkes with Sriracha mayo
Hanukkah
Pronounced: KHAH-nuh-kah, also ha-new-KAH, an eight-day festival commemorating the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks and subsequent rededication of the temple. Falls in the Hebrew month of Kislev, which usually corresponds with December.
