Healthy Latkes … are possible
Is it possible to make a healthy latke? The answer is yes…but what are latkes?
Latkes are also known as potato pancakes. The word latke is of Yiddish origin and may have possibly come from Russia or Germany. As Jews immigrated to the United States, so did the tradition of preparing latkes.
Latkes are shallow-fried pancakes made of grated, raw potatoes (usually russets), egg, salt and are sometimes are flavored with a bit of green onion. The latkes are patted into patties, usually about 2 inches in diameter. Once formed, the latkes are fried in heated oil until they are golden brown on each side. Latkes are usually served hot and may be accompanied by applesauce, sour cream or both.
Latkes are a traditional dish often served during Hanukkah. They have gained popularity as a Hanukkah dish because they are fried in oil, commemorating the lamp oil in the biblical story that miraculously provided light for eight days.
Some believe that during Hanukkah, latkes should be made with cheese instead of potatoes. During ancient times, latkes could not have been composed of potatoes because potatoes are a New World food. Instead, it is thought that latkes were made with grated cheese and a bit of egg, and then fried. However, the introduction of the potato to Europe in the 18th century forever changed the latke.
Today, ancient latke recipes containing cheese are often forsaken in preference to a potato latke. Many families prepare these pancakes from recipes that are over 100 years old. Therefore, even though the recipes are not prepared as in ancient times, potato latkes have a rich history as well.
Potato pancakes are also a traditional food of many other ethnic groups and nationalities, including Hungarians, Poles, Ukrainians, Germans and Russians, among others. A form of the potato pancake known as the “Boxty” is a popular traditional dish in most of Ireland, and the Swedish version of the potato pancake is called rarakor.
As you can see, Latkes, potato pancakes or any of the various versions such as potato doughnuts, potato cakes, potato waffles, hash browns, Gamjajeon, Rosti, Boxty, bubble and squeak are popular worldwide.
The secret to making a healthy latke is to pan fry it in a small amount of oil (1 or 2 tablespoons) for only a couple of minutes and then place it in an oven and cook it until it is golden brown and crunchy.
Here is one link to a healthy Latke Recipe, but search the web and look at low-fat cookbooks for many other versions.
