Gluten Free Potato Latkes

I always tell my kids that looks, and names, can be deceiving.  Gluten Free Potato Latkes fall into this category.  Although they really are just hash browns with a history, they can look unappetizing to the uninitiated.

Ever a favorite Hanukkah food, potato latkes can be made of many different ingredients.

Originally, they were actually made with cheese. Religious lore has it that Judith fed cheese to the leader of the Jewish enemies. The cheese made him thirsty, and to quench his thirst, he drank excessive amounts of wine. After he was drunk, Judith cut off his head … not very appetizing, but apparently it did the trick back in the day.

Today, latkes are often made with potatoes – usually golden or sweet – and are fried in oil to remind Hanukkah celebrants of the miracle of the single lamp of oil that should have lasted only one day, but instead lasted eight days.

This festival of the miracle of oil — or light — is what we now know as Hanukkah, and celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after the revolt against the Greeks.

Whether you serve this gluten free potato latkes recipe in celebration of Hanukkah or just for a tasty treat, they are wonderful as a side or a main dish. Serve them with chunky applesauce, cranberry chutney (yum!) or salsa, to accent other flavors in your meal.

This recipe, as well as recipes for Curried Sweet Potato Latkes and delicious toppers like Charoset and Mango-Avocado Salsa (both of which pair nicely with latkes!) can be found in my newest cookbook, Free for All Cooking!

And if you’re looking for a way to make these a bit healthier — perhaps ditching the oil? — simply toss these into your air fryer until brown on each side. They get a bit fluffier, but no less delicious.

Another healthy take on the latke? Unorthodox, but worth a try: gluten free Spaghetti Squash Latkes! Don’t knock ’em until you try ’em!

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Gluten Free Potato Latkes

Yield: 15 latkes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Traditional, satisfying and delicious: gluten free and even vegan latkes can be made with white potatoes or sweet potatoes. Don't save this recipe just for Hanukkah -- gluten free latkes are delicious anytime!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups grated gold, white or sweet potatoes (approximately 1 ½ lbs; 3 medium sized potatoes)
• 1 small onion, grated
• 3 eggs, beaten (or 3/4 cup vegan mayo for vegan option)
• 3 Tbs. gfJules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes or 1 ½ tsp. fresh parsley
• 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) or gluten free Nutritional Yeast (optional)
• high heat oil (I like avocado oil) for frying
• Applesauce or sour cream as a condiment

Instructions

Wash then grate the potatoes in a food processor, with the skins on. Grate the onion as well, then combine.

Stir the beaten eggs with a fork, then combine in a large bowl with the potatoes and onion.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the parsley, and slowly stir into the potato mixture until combined. If the mixture is too dry to hold together, slowly add in small amounts of milk; if it's too wet, add more gfJules Flour by the tablespoon.

The final mixture should hold together in a pancake shape when scooped into the hot oil.

Pour about 1/8 inch of oil in an electric or deep skillet. Bring the oil to between 375 – 400 F. Drop the potato mixture into the hot oil by large tablespoons, flattening the pancakes with the back of a spoon when in the oil. Cook each side until golden brown, flipping with a slotted spatula after approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove the cooked latkes to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm in a warming drawer or low temperature oven until ready to serve with applesauce or sour cream, if desired.

The latkes may be frozen once cooked, blotted and cooled. To reheat, cook on a baking sheet at 425 F convection or 450 F static for 15 minutes, turning repeatedly until crispy and hot.

Yield: approximately 15 latkes.

Notes

These gluten free latkes may be cooked in an air fryer without oil instead, if you prefer. Simply prepare the pancakes and place on the basket of your air fryer and cook at 400 on each side until lightly browned and crispy.

Did you make this recipe?

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