Latke
Crispy potato fritters enjoyed during Hanukkah in Jewish homes
Latkes are fried potato cakes, a staple of Ashkenazi Jewish cooking, especially during Hanukkah. Made from grated or puréed potato mixed with onion, egg, and flour or matzo meal, they are cooked in oil and served hot, often with sour cream or applesauce. Originally cheese-based, potato latkes became common in Eastern Europe in the 19th century.
- Latkes are a Hanukkah tradition in Jewish communities
- They are usually made from grated or puréed potatoes and onions
- Early latkes were cheese pancakes before potatoes became common
- Latkes are fried in oil and served hot with sour cream or applesauce
What is Latke?
Latkes are shallow-fried cakes made mainly from potatoes and onions, bound together with egg and flour or matzo meal. They are golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft interior. While potatoes are the most common base, some versions use other vegetables or cheese. Latkes are usually served hot, often with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of applesauce. The taste is savory and rich, with the oil giving them a distinctive flavor and texture.
Where does Latke come from?
Latkes have roots in Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Central and Eastern Europe. The word 'latke' comes from Yiddish, which traces back to words for 'oil' and 'small pancake' in Greek and Slavic languages. Early versions were cheese pancakes, but as potatoes became widely available in the 19th century, they replaced cheese as the main ingredient. This shift was influenced by local crops and Jewish dietary laws, which sometimes made mixing dairy and meat difficult. Today, latkes are closely tied to Hanukkah celebrations.
How is Latke made?
To make latkes, potatoes and onions are grated or puréed, then squeezed to remove extra moisture. The mixture is combined with eggs and either flour or matzo meal, seasoned with salt, and shaped into small patties. These are fried in hot oil until crisp and golden. Some cooks prefer a chunkier texture with grated potatoes, while others use a smoother purée. Vegan versions use chickpea flour and potato starch instead of eggs.
How and when is Latke eaten?
Latkes are most often eaten during Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, but can also appear at other times. They are served hot, straight from the pan, and are commonly accompanied by sour cream or applesauce. In some families, they are a snack or side dish, while in others, they may be the main part of a meal. The act of frying in oil is an important part of the tradition.
Kinds of Latke
While potato is the standard base, latkes can be made from other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Some versions include cheese, especially in older recipes. Sephardi Jewish cooks may use zucchini and garlic, and omit dairy toppings when serving with meat. There are also vegan adaptations that skip eggs and use different binders. Texture and thickness can vary by preference.
What Latke means
Latkes are strongly associated with Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, and are prepared to mark this occasion. The use of oil in frying is symbolic in Jewish tradition. Latkes are a familiar comfort food in Jewish homes and have become a recognizable part of Jewish festive meals. They also appear in debates and discussions about Jewish food culture.
When Latke is on the table
Questions people ask about Latke
What are latkes made of?
Latkes are mainly made from potatoes, onions, eggs, and either flour or matzo meal. Some versions use other vegetables or cheese, and vegan recipes use chickpea flour and potato starch instead of eggs.
Where do latkes come from?
Latkes have their origins in Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Central and Eastern Europe, especially in places like Poland and Ukraine.
When are latkes usually eaten?
Latkes are most commonly prepared and enjoyed during Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, but can also be eaten at other times as a snack or meal.
How are latkes served?
Latkes are served hot, often with sour cream or applesauce on the side. They can be eaten as a snack, side, or main dish.
Are there different types of latkes?
Yes, latkes can be made with grated or puréed potatoes, and sometimes with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots. There are also cheese-based and vegan versions.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Latke", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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