Short answer: What are Jewish potato pancakes called?
Jewish potato pancakes, also known as latkes or levivot, are a traditional Hanukkah dish made from grated potatoes mixed with onion, flour and egg, then fried in oil. They originated in Eastern Europe and have become a popular Jewish comfort food worldwide.
How Are Jewish Potato Pancakes Named Across Different Cultures?
Jewish potato pancakes, also known as latkes or levivot in Hebrew, are a beloved dish across the globe. Traditionally made from grated potatoes, eggs, onions and flour, these crispy delights have been consumed on Chanukah for generations. However, what many may not know is that the name of this classic Jewish delicacy varies greatly depending on the culture and language spoken.
Some might argue that it all starts with the Yiddish word “latke,” derived from terms meaning patch or rag. This makes sense when you consider how traditional latkes were often made using leftover scraps of potatoes and other ingredients found around the kitchen.
In modern-day Israel, though people still call them “levivot,” referring to thin cakes fried in oil according to religious customs dating back centuries ago. These Hebrew names are believed to have originated from biblical references to frying food for special occasions like Purim and Chanukah as well as symbolic Hanukkah story related Judaism folklore where oil sufficient enough only for one day miraculously lasted eight days provides historical foundation for it’s naming conventions replacing other variations through time which had more culinary references rather than religious ones.
For those in Germany who speak German while they enjoy eating their flat cakes come yet another iteration – kartoffelpuffer (or sometimes called reibekuchen), literally translating to mean “potato puffs.”
Austria calls their version Erdäpfel Laible inspired by chopper bread cut into small shapes originating far before amalgamation of Austrian cuisine with rest of Europe during middle ages integrating traditions conflated outcrossing cultures bred varied versions leading up till now when potato pancake has taken root here too leaving behind iconic memories preserved amongst long standing traditions .
Poland prefers calling them placki ziemniaczane owing its roots anchored deep down within Ashkenazi heritage established way before Poland became kingdom making sure Jewish influence was felt all throughout holy land during ancient times.
In Russia, potato pancakes are known as draniki or драники. The word dranik comes from the Russian verb “драть,” meaning “to grate” as rightly describes process used in preparation of these delicious pancakes with finely shredded potatoes alongside ingredients such as onion and eggs that have been beaten lightly before combining them together into one batter.
Interestingly enough, Japanese cuisine has also added its own twist to Jewish potato pancakes and they are called korokke (コロッケ), which is a portmanteau of the English “croquette” and traditional Japanese kurokkei style culinary skills bundling potatoes among other seasonal vegetables imparting flair across all senses invoking different moods being perfect for any occasion be it festive or casual .
So, why do these popular Jewish potato snacks go by so many names? Perhaps it’s simply because they’re a beloved dish across cultures worldwide gained through centuries of shared experience around tables stretching back to ancient times traveled far from Middle East spreading out amongst families now found homes everywhere holding memories forming new variations on
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Traditional Jewish Potato Pancakes- Known as What?
Potato pancakes, also known as latkes in Yiddish, are a traditional Jewish dish enjoyed during Hanukkah. These delectable treats are made from grated potatoes mixed with onions and eggs, then fried to crispy perfection.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through the process of making these delicious potato pancakes so that you can enjoy them too!
Step 1: Ingredients
First things first- gather all the necessary ingredients. For this tasty recipe, you will need:
• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Matzo meal or flour (for binding purposes)
• Oil for frying
Step 2: Grate Potatoes and Onion
Next, grate your peeled potatoes and onion using either a food processor or hand grater. The finer the grating is -the better! Squeeze any excess moisture out of the mixture by placing it in cloth/cheese-cloth/multiple paper towels on top of each other), twisting tightly until no more liquid comes out.
Step 3: Adding Additional Ingredients
Once strained squeeze-out all access water add eggs (lightly beaten). Season mixture with salt & pepper according to your own preferences; give everything a thorough mix before adding matzo meal/flour slowly into batter till sticky consistency achieved; try not over-work – since mixing too much even though floury stuff necessary could impact negatively impacting final texture (meaning end-product=fluffier).
Step #4 Heat Oil in Skillet/Pan
Heat oil over high heat in large skillet/skink same shape/circular/good size as final product should be able fill pan leaving good space between bites throughout cooking cycle without crowding/preventing crispiness/frying evenly being difficult otherwise which leads sometimes soggy edges etc).
Step#5 Shape Latkes Out Of Batter
Spoon one tablespoon at a time of batter into the hot oil, then press down on each pancake gently until flattened with fork (or spatula). Cook for around 3-4 minutes or until golden brown/maintaining good texture/tactile qualities. Flip over pancakes to provide uniformity & further browning- done right when both sides crispy plus finish cooking by placing crisp-jeweled flat latke(s) in a paper-towel-lined baking dish in oven while making next batch.
Step#6 Serving and Enjoying
Drain off excess oil from completed pancakes by blotting lightly with additional paper towels before serving – which could be served at room temperature/with different ‘sides’ like apple sauce/sour cream; main course/filling snacks/appetizers/buffets/etc. Whatever way you choose eat them – it will leave your mouth watering!
In conclusion, making traditional Jewish potato Pancakes (Latkes) aren’t exactly rocket science but their results are truly out-of-this-world delicious. It’s an easy recipe that anyone can make following these clear instructions no matter if you’re
Latkes originate from Eastern European Jews and are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the temple that lasted eight days instead of one. It’s no wonder why these delicious potato pancakes are so ubiquitous whenever Hanukkah comes around!
However, many people wonder why they’re called “latkes” instead of something like “potato pancakes.” Well, we’ve compiled a list of common questions about latkes’ name and answered them below:
1. What does “latke” mean?
The word “latke” has its roots in Yiddish (a Germanic-based language used by Ashkenazi Jews) and means “pancake.”
2. How do you properly pronounce “latke”?
There’s always some debate over how to say certain words but generally lät-kas is an acceptable pronunciation.
3. Why is it not just called a potato pancake?
While many cultures eat similar dishes under different names – think rosti or hash browns – for Jews across North America who celebrate Chanukah eating crispy golden brown potato-filled Latkasis customary and unique.
4. Are latkes only made with potatoes?
Traditionally yes! But almost anything can go into making latkes as long as grated vegetables mixed with flourlike mixture forms patty size rounds flattened out when fried until crisp on both sides
5. Can you only eat latkes during Hanukkah celebrations?
No! Though common during Jewish festivities at home especially during Shabbat dinner – any time call for indulging a wonderful plateful creamy mashed potatoes transformed into perfect golden discs ready with apple sauceor sour cream finishes.
6. Is there any other name for latkes?
Outside of the Jewish community, they are also referred to as “potato pancakes” or even a few local and traditional nicknames depending on where you’re located.
Ultimately, whether you call it a potato pancake or latke, there’s no disputing how delicious this dish is! It’s not just about the terminology – in Jewish culture any food relating back to unique religious customs is an important medium that connects people with their history plus crave-worthy bites can bring anyone together.
