Recipes

Healthy and light these latkes make up for over indulging in the sweets!

INGREDIENTS

7 1/2 cups of 1-to 1 1/2-inch cauliflower florets (from 2 medium heads)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fine dry unseasoned breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground Aleppo pepper or cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 large eggs
Olive oil (not extra-virgin) for frying
Za’atar Aioli

PREPARATION

Cook cauliflower in large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool. Add garlic and half of cauliflower to processor; blend until smooth. Add remaining cauliflower, parsley, and dill. Pulse until cauliflower is chopped and mixture is still slightly chunky. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, Aleppo pepper, and black pepper. Beat 2 eggs in small bowl; mix into batter. If batter is dry, beat remaining 1 egg in same bowl to blend and mix into batter by tablespoonfuls until moist but not runny batter forms. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Add enough oil to heavy large skillet to coat bottom generously; heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, drop 1 tablespoonful batter for each latke into skillet; flatten to 11/2-inch round. Cook until golden, adding oil as needed and adjusting heat if browning quickly, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to rimmed baking sheets. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake latkes uncovered until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve latkes with aioli, if desired, or sprinkle with za’atar and serve

Makes 20 medium latkes

These latkes are vibrantly colored and delicately sweet with a fiery bite in the sauce.

Tarragon & Gold Beet Latkes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups gold beets, washed and grated
2 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 teaspoon coriander, cracked
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
3 cups red beets, washed and grated
2 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 teaspoon coriander, cracked
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Vegetable oil

Tarragon and Red & Orange Beet Latkes

INGREDIENTS

6 cups beets, coarsely shredded (about 6 medium)
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
Canola oil (for frying)

PREPARATION

Place beets in large bowl. Press with paper towels to absorb any moisture. In another large bowl, whisk the flour and the next five ingredients. Mix in beets, then eggs. Pour enough oil into large skillet to cover bottom; heat over medium heat. Working in batches, drop beet mixture by 1/4 cupfuls into skillet. Spread to 3 1/2-inch rounds. Fry until golden, usually about 5 minutes per side. Transfer latkes to baking sheet. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Re-warm in 350°F oven until crisp, about 10 minutes.) Serve latkes with relish and salsa.

Tarragon Horseradish Cream

INGREDIENTS

1 cup crème fraiche
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh horseradish root, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Serve cold on top of hot latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

These are Moroccan inspired latkes with a tangy mint sauce that is interesting and exotic.

INGREDIENTS

1 small head of cauliflower, washed and grated
1 medium yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 eggs beaten
1 cup all purpose white flour
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, onions, rosemary, flour, salt and pepper and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Preserved Lemons and Mint Marmalade

INGREDIENTS

1 cup preserved lemons, chopped fine (2 whole lemons chopped with peels and all is okay as well)
1 cup sugar in the raw
1 cup water
½ cup fresh mint, chopped

PREPARATION

In a medium saucepan, combine lemons, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes uncovered. Take off heat when it reaches desired consistency and add mint. Serve warm over latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

This is another semi-traditional potato latke recipe with a modern version of applesauce to go with it.

INGREDIENTS

5-6 medium potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
1 medium yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons each of fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, marjoram and chives, chopped fine
½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped fine
2 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose white flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, onions, rosemary, flour, salt and pepper, and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Chimichurri Sauce

INGREDIENTS

2 medium shallots, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
2 tablespoons each of fresh parsley, marjoram, chives, thyme, oregano
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (optional)

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Serve cold on top of hot latkes. Mix with sour cream if desired.

Makes 20 medium latkes

A delightful combination of sage and butternut makethese latkes extra special and perfect for cold winter nights.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups butternut squash, peeled and grated
2 medium potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
1 medium white onion, grated
3 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped fine
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2-3 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Sage Brown Butter

INGREDIENTS

1 stick butter, unsalted
3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped fine
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION

In a small saucepan melt butter and add sage, sauté on medium high heat  stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until butter browns a little. Take off heat and add salty and pepper. Refrigerate butter mixture and dollop cold butter on hot latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

INGREDIENTS

Minty, healthy and light, these latkes make a delightful snack or appetizer.
4 cups zucchini, washed and grated
2 medium potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
1 medium white onion, grated
3 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped fine
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2-3 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Minted Yogurt

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped fine
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Serve cold on top of hot latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

Bring a touch of the Middle East into your Hanukah celebration with these sweetly spiced latkes!

INGREDIENTS

6 cups sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
½ cup raisins
3 eggs beaten
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2-3 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Curry Mint Sour Cream

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped fine
1 teaspoon lime zest
Juice of half of a lime
2 teaspoons salt

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Serve cold on top of hot latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

These latkes are colorful, vibrant and have a spicy tang that gives them a special kick.

INGREDIENTS

5-6 medium blue potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
1 medium white onion, grated
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped fine
2 eggs beaten
½ cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2-3 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Cumin Tomato Sour Cream

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup tomatoes, chopped fine
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 teaspoon jalapeño, chopped fine
Juice of ½ of a lime
2 teaspoons salt

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Serve cold on top of hot latkes.

Makes 20 medium latkes

This is a semi traditional potato latke recipe with a modern version of applesauce to go with it.

INGREDIENTS

5-6 medium potatoes, washed, peeled and grated
1 medium yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped fine
2 eggs beaten
½ cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, onions, rosemary, flour, salt and pepper, and mix well. Heat a large heavy bottom skillet to high heat making sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Form 2 inch pancakes, drop into pan and brown on both sides until deep golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Take off heat and place on paper towels so excess oil can be drained.

Rosemary Apple chutney

INGREDIENTS

3 medium Fuji or pink lady apples (or other hard and tart apples), chopped in small cubes
1½ cups apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped fine
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped fine
Juice of one medium lemon
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

Place all ingredients in a heavy bottom medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes or until chutney is desired consistency and apples are soft. Take off heat and discard bay leaves. Serve over hot latkes.