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Sweet potato latkes are a delightful twist on the classic Hanukkah treat, and they make a perfect addition to your holiday menu. These sweet potato latkes offer a sweet and savory twist on a traditional favorite, making them a perfect choice for a Hanukkah celebration or any special occasion.

When it comes to celebrating the Festival of Lights, we often think of the classic potato latkes, but these sweet potato ones add a whole new dimension to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Instead of making traditional latkes with white potatoes, this sweet potato latke recipe will delight everybody in your family, especially if they have a sweet tooth.

First off, the choice of sweet potatoes is a nutritional win. These vibrant tubers are a powerhouse of nutrients, packing in a hefty dose of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. The orange hue? That’s a sign of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, promoting good vision and a robust immune system. So, not only are you indulging in a tasty treat, but you’re also giving your body a nutrient boost – a win-win, if you ask me.

As for the batter, it’s a simple mix of grated sweet potatoes and onions, beaten eggs, a touch of flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. A medley that’s about to get cozy in a hot skillet with vegetable oil, creating that perfect sizzle as you drop in those golden patties. You can practically hear the Hanukkah magic happening right there.

Finally, the serving suggestion. While these sweet potato latkes are delightful on their own, you can elevate the experience with a dollop of applesauce or a swirl of sour cream. It’s like the grand finale, bringing all the flavors together in a harmonious Hanukkah symphony.

This great recipe will surely become a new family favorite. 

Sweet Potato Latkes

Prep: 20 minutes

Yield: approximately 12 latkes

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use kosher for Passover matzo meal for Passover)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying (I prefer avocado oil)
• Applesauce or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Grate the sweet potatoes and onion using the coarse side or large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment.
• Place the grated sweet potatoes and onions in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed sweet potato and onion mixture, beaten eggs, flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You can also use a deep fryer if you prefer.
• Using a spoon or your hands, shape the sweet potato mixture into 2-3 inch patties, squeezing out any excess liquid.
• Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
• Fry the latkes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spatula to flip them.
• Remove the latkes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• Serve the sweet potato latkes immediately while they are hot and crispy. If desired, serve with applesauce or sour cream on the side.

What can I serve with sweet potato latkes?

These sweet potato pancakes are great on their own but if you want a few serving ideas, I have so many! Let’s start with a classic choice – apple sauce. The fruity sweetness of applesauce complements the earthy tones of sweet potatoes, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. It’s like a sweet and savory dance on your taste buds, a harmonious duet that adds a touch of brightness to each bite.

Alternatively, there’s the timeless pairing of a dollop of sour cream. The cool, tangy creaminess acts as the perfect counterpoint to the warmth and crispiness of the latkes. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, and each dip adds a luxurious texture that enhances the overall experience.

Now, here’s where you can get a bit adventurous – try a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs. The plain yogurt’s tanginess and the herbal freshness create a zesty accompaniment that takes your sweet potato latkes on a flavorful journey. You can even add some chopped green onions.

Feeling a bit indulgent? Add some cinnamon sugar. How about a drizzle of honey or maple syrup? The natural sweetness adds a layer of complexity to the dish, turning your latkes into a sweet and savory delight. It’s a culinary adventure for your taste buds, exploring the boundaries of flavor in every bite.

7 Tips to make crispy latkes

If you want to avoid soggy latkes, here’s how to make them crispy:

1. Squeeze Out Excess Liquid: After grating the sweet potatoes and onions, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess.
2. Work Quickly: Mix the batter and shape the latkes just before frying. The faster you move, the less time the potatoes have to release moisture, keeping your latkes crisp.
3. Use Enough Oil: Ensure there’s enough oil in the pan (about 1/4 inch) to provide adequate frying and prevent the latkes from absorbing too much oil, which can lead to sogginess.
4. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot but not smoking. If the oil is too cool, the latkes will absorb more oil; if it’s too hot, they may brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside.
5. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the latkes in batches, leaving enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy latkes.
6. Press Them Thin: Shape the latkes into thin patties. Thinner latkes cook more evenly and become crisper.
7. Drain Well: Place the fried latkes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness.

Remember these tips, and your sweet potato latkes will be golden, crispy perfection. Happy frying!

More recipes for Jewish holidays

• How to make the most delicious traditional potato latkes
• Easy strawberry Hamantaschen recipe
• How to make my family’s favorite fluffy challah
• How to make sweet noodle kugel

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