What it holds
Latkes carry the sensory memory of Hanukkah: oil, heat, crisp edges, and the urgency of eating them hot. They reflect celebration, family work, and the way a holiday can be remembered through smell and sound.
Latkes
Latkes are fried pancakes, most commonly made with grated potatoes, onion, egg, and matzo meal or flour.
Often seen at: Hanukkah
At the table
Shared dish, personal versions
Preparations of this dish
No preparations have been shared yet.
Be the first to preserve how this dish appeared at your table.
At the table
They are closely associated with Hanukkah, where fried foods recall the oil at the center of the holiday story. They are often served hot with applesauce, sour cream, or other toppings.
Variations
Variations include sweet potato latkes, zucchini latkes, cheese latkes, thinner crisp versions, thicker tender versions, and toppings ranging from traditional to modern. Some families grate finely, while others prefer larger shreds.
What remains
What remains is the crispness people try to preserve and the memory of batches coming from the pan. Latkes continue through annual repetition and household technique.