Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce

 


It’s hard not to love potato latkes. I mean, the result is pretty impressive, considering it only requires a handful of ingredients. I have no problem devouring a dozen of those crisp and tender patties in one sitting. These potato latkes are always created with love using a straightforward yet delectable recipe that calls for eggs, finely chopped leeks, minced garlic, and shredded potatoes. 

To make a batter that yields precisely crispy and golden latkes, each ingredient is meticulously combined. The flavor is enhanced by the inclusion of leeks and garlic, giving the classic recipe a subtle yet delicious change. I paired these flavorful latkes with a big scoop of homemade cranberry apple sauce and a dollop of creamy sour cream. The cranberry apple sauce provides a sweet and bitter contrast that takes the dish to a whole new level, and the sour cream adds a creamy, tangy flavor that goes perfectly with the crispy latkes. This dish is a hit in every way, so you should give it a try! These latkes will wow everyone at the table whether you make them for a special holiday occasion or just a casual family dinner. It's difficult to resist the harmonious and fulfilling dish that is created by the fusion of flavors and textures. Additionally, using healthful, fresh ingredients guarantees that your meal will be prepared with care and attention to detail in addition to being delicious. Try it and relish the amazing flavor and coziness that these potato latkes add to your meal.

What are Latkes?

A classic Jewish delicacy, potato latkes are frequently connected to Hanukkah. Traditional potato latkes are made with grated or shredded potatoes, eggs, onions, flour, or matzo meal, they are essentially potato pancakes. Depending on your inclination, potato latkes can be eaten hot or cold due to their versatility. Traditionally, they are accompanied by traditional toppings like sour cream, which offers a creamy and tart contrast, or applesauce, which adds a sweet contrast. To customize it to your liking, you may also try different toppings like caviar, smoked salmon, or even a poached egg for a more upscale presentation.
Whether you're serving it at a joyful celebration, a family get-together, or a casual dinner at home, the dish's crunchy surface and soft, tasty within make it a fan favorite. They are a wonderful complement to any meal over the holiday season, adding warmth and cheer thanks to their simplicity, rich flavor, and pleasing texture.

Latkes can be made in a variety of ways to suit a wide range of palates and dietary requirements. Here are a few well-liked versions:

  • Sweet Potato Latkes: For a slightly sweeter taste and a vivid orange hue, replace ordinary potatoes with sweet potatoes.

  • Vegetable Latkes: To enhance flavor and nutritional value, incorporate additional vegetables such as parsnips, carrots, or zucchini into the potato mixture.

  • Cheese Latkes: For a rich, savory twist, add cheese, such as feta or cheddar, to the latke batter.

  • Herb Latkes: To enhance the flavor of the batter, add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.

  • Spiced Latkes: To give the latke mixture a more nuanced flavor, add spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder.

  • Gluten-Free Latkes: To accommodate people who are sensitive to gluten, use flour or matzo meal that is free of gluten.

  • Vegan Latkes: To make vegan-friendly latkes, substitute a flax or chia seed mixture for the eggs and use a plant-based binder.

  • Apple Latkes: For a little sweeter twist, add grated apples to the potato mixture. These are typically served with sugar or cinnamon.

With additional toppings like yogurt, avocado, or even a poached egg, these versions can be further customized.

Modern Twist

Healthier Options: Instead of frying the latkes, bake them for a healthier alternative or use an air fryer to get a similar crispy texture while using less oil.
Taste Variations: 
To add even more flavor, try experimenting with other ingredients like sweet potatoes or zucchini, or even adding spices like paprika or cumin.


Fun Fact

Latke Competitions: To further enhance the celebratory and social atmosphere of Hanukkah, several communities hold Latke competitions during which participants present their original interpretations of the classic recipe.

Nutritional  Benefits

Leeks: Leeks give a subtle, sweet onion taste to the latkes that go very well with the potatoes. Leeks include dietary fiber and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Garlic: This adds flavor and has several health advantages, such as strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Potatoes: Packed with potassium, vitamins C and B6, and nutrients. Because of their versatility and high nutritional content, they are a mainstay in many diets worldwide.
Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, cranberries are well-known for supporting urinary tract health. They give the sauce a bright hue and tangy taste.
Apples: Rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Apples naturally sweeten the cranberry sauce.

But my favorite type of recipe is the kind where you don’t have to overthink too much. This simple latke recipe can be made using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Potatoes, leeks, eggs, and flour are basic components that you probably already have in your home and can be used to make delicious latkes. There's no need for exotic or difficult-to-find ingredients; simply healthy, straightforward elements that combine to make a delicious dinner. The simple preparation method frees you up to appreciate the cooking process and the delicious tastes of the dish instead of becoming bogged down in intricate procedures or methods. Whether you're preparing for a get-together with friends, a family supper, or just to treat yourself, this simple latke recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce is a delectable twist on the classic latke, fusing the savory flavors of potatoes and leeks with the wonderful acidity and sweetness of cranberry apple sauce. This contemporary take on a time-honored recipe is likely to become a favorite. You will want to eat a dozen of the scrumptious potato and leek latkes in one sitting because they have the ideal ratio of crispy outside to tender within. These latkes are elevated to new gastronomic heights when combined with rich, fruity flavors like cranberry and apple sauce and creamy sour cream. The tart and flavorful sour cream combines well with the rich and savory latkes, and the tart and sweet cranberry apple sauce brings the whole meal together. This combination produces a flavor profile that is unique for any dish, balancing cozy and sophisticated elements. You will never try a better latke recipe than this one, I promise. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and sensations thanks to the carefully thought-out preparation and harmonious combination of ingredients. 

Garnish your dish with some fresh dill and chives to make the latkes pop! Oh, and always, sprinkle some Maldon salt flakes. The subtle, crisp texture of the salt draws out the taste of the latkes and improves the overall flavor. This potato latke recipe makes a perfect main course for lunch or dinner, but it's also a great choice for breakfast, brunch, or even as a filling snack. These latkes are so tasty and versatile that they can be served at any time of day, whether you're having a peaceful supper by yourself, sharing them with family, or serving them at a joyful event.

These straightforward, fresh ingredients come together to make a dish that is full of love and tradition in addition to being tasty. Try making this meal and savor the delicious tastes it brings to the table. 

You can appreciate the richness and variety of this delectable dish for Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce by learning about its cultural importance, nutritional advantages, and cooking techniques. Enjoy preparing and serving this dish to your loved ones, and feel free to experiment with other flavors!

Let's give a warm welcome to the potato leek star! If you make this Potato Leek with Cranberry Apple Sauce,  please let us know by leaving a rating below! We value your opinions and are interested in learning how our recipes are prepared in your home.

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Yield: 4
Author: Victoria Kaputskaya
Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce

Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce

A delicious take on the traditional latke, Potato Leek Latkes with Cranberry Apple Sauce combines the savory tastes of potatoes and leeks with a tart and sweet cranberry apple sauce. Paired with sour cream, cranberry, and apple sauce. And I am sure this is one of the best latkes recipes. Here is the overview of the ingredients:
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 50 Min
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Cranberry Apple Sauce

Instructions

  1. For the Cranberry Apple Sauce
  2. Combine 12 oz cranberries, 2 Honeycrisp apples, 1/3 cup white sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries and apples are soft, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. For the Potato Leek Latkes
  4. Grate potatoes using large holes of a box grater, food processor, or grating blade and add to a large bowl. ( Potatoes should be coarsely grated to release their natural starch, which serves as a binder and keeps the latkes together while they fry.)
  5. Drain all the potato starch from the grated potatoes using a cheesecloth or a large kitchen towel. Since potatoes have a high starch content this step is very important. If you don’t remove the excess liquid latkes will take a long time to crisp up and possibly burn.
  6. Add potato shreds, leeks, 4 large eggs, and salt to a large mixing bowl and mix all ingredients together.
  7. Frying The Latkes
  8. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium flame.
  9. Once the oil start to heat, form round patties with your hands and gently place them in the hot oil in the skillet. Do not move the latkes for about 3 minutes or cook latkes until the bottom is golden brown. Once the bottom is golden, flip it over and brown the other side. ( Frying Tip: To get a golden, crispy texture, fry the latkes in small batches to avoid the oil temperature decreasing too much)
  10. Your most perfect looking latke is ready.
  11. Serving
  12. Transfer latkes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
  13. Serve these Hot perfect latkes with sour cream and a dollop of cranberry applesauce. At any dinner or celebration, the pairing of the sweet, tangy sauce and the crispy, savory latkes is sure to please.
  14. Latkes are a versatile food that can be eaten as a main course, side dish, or appetizer. They go nicely with roasted veggies and brisket, among other foods.
  15. This combo is a great complement to any meal or festive occasion since it strikes the perfect balance between salty and sweet.
 

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