To celebrate the Chanukah season, we are excited to share 4 delicious latke recipes from our talented Chef, Yanir Mrejen, who will head up the kitchen at our brand-new restaurant, Novellino Brighton from early 2023.
What is a latke?
Latkes are pan-fried potato pancakes, traditionally prepared to celebrate Chanukah. Since the first celebration of Chanukah, oily foods have been used to symbolise the miracle of this 8-day festival.
1. Vegan Latkes
In true Brighton fashion, no recipe list would be complete without a vegan option. So why not try out these vegan latkes, totally egg-free!
Ingredients:
1.3kg potatoes
300g white onions
50g flour
20g cornflour
Salt
Black pepper
Oil for frying
– Grate all the vegetables and then squeeze all the water out of them. If needed, put them in a cloth and twist until there is no more water left – this is very important
– Add all the ingredients together to a bowl and mix
– In a flat frying pan, warm the oil and fry flat patties of the latke mixture for around 3-4 min on each side
– Transfer the patties to a kitchen towel to remove excess oil
– Serve
2. Traditional Latkes
You can’t beat the classics! This simple but spectacular dish is always a wonderful choice to bring to any Jewish dinner and share with friends and family. Just like BNJC, latkes remind us of community spirit.
Ingredients:
5 medium potato peels and grated
1 medium white onion grated
1 medium Carrot grated (optional)
1 small bunch Parsley fine chopped (optional)
2 eggs
Half cup flour (or matzo meal)
Salt
Black pepper
Oil for frying
– Grate all the vegetables and then squeeze all the water out of them. If needed, put them in a cloth and twist until there is no more water left – this is very important
– Add all the ingredients together to a bowl and mix
– In a flat frying pan, warm the oil and fry flat patties of the latke mixture for around 3-4 min on each side
– Transfer the patties to a kitchen towel to remove excess oil
– Serve
Top tip: if you make too many latkes, you can always put the extra patties on some baking parchment and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready, take them out and fry until they’re golden brown. Enjoy!
Chanukah 1440
© Whole Foods Market
3. Sweet Potato Rainbow Latkes
This sweet and colourful dish is perfect for a special treat to kick your traditional latkes up a notch. If you’re feeling bold, try adding some personal touches like a dash of chilli.
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potato (650g)
2 medium purple sweet potato (650g)
4 medium potatoes (650g)
2 medium onions (250g)
4 Large eggs
50g plain flour
Salt
Black pepper
Oil for frying
– Grate all the vegetables and then squeeze all the water out of them. If needed, put them in a cloth and twist until there is no more water left – this is very important
– Add all the ingredients together to a bowl and mix
– In a flat frying pan, warm the oil and fry flat patties of the latke mixture for around 3-4 min on each side
– Transfer the patties to a kitchen towel to remove excess oil
– Serve
4. Banana Latkes
We know what you’re thinking, banana latkes?! But these are truly delicious – we all love banana pancakes; why not try a Jewish version? These are a sweet take on a traditionally savoury dish and trust us, these crispy treats are the perfect brunch food.
Ingredients:
2 bananas (280g)
2 eggs
110g sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence or half vanilla pod
240g self-raising flour
80g desiccated coconut
0.5 tsp cinnamon powder
Oil for frying
– Mash the bananas, then mix all the ingredients into an even mixture that will hold its shape when formed into patties. If it’s too wet, add flour. If it’s too dry, add water
– In a flat frying pan, warm the oil and fry flat patties of the latke mixture for around 2-3 min on each side
– Transfer the patties to a kitchen towel to remove excess oil
– Serve