Potato pancakes have a creamy, almost mashed-potato-like center, with a thin, golden, crisp exterior. Latkes, on the other hand, should have a deeply browned crust, with wispy, lacy edges. Latkes also aren’t hash browns.
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:
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.
GOLDEN BROWN, CRISPY LATKES AREN’T JUST A HANUKKAH HOLIDAY FOOD Baz Bagel | Potato Latkes
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.
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
Lido Kosher Deli | Kosher Latkes + Apple Sauce Liebman’s Kosher Deli | Giant Potato Latkes
Latkes | Basics with Babish
FAQ
What is another name for potato pancakes?
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