Modern Latkes

When it comes to celebrating Hanukkah, latkes are a must. It’s hard to go wrong with tradition—crisp little pancakes made from grated potato and onion that are topped with sour cream and applesauce—but we also like to mix things up by using less conventional ingredients and modern toppings. Try using beets or sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes, or add some shredded zucchini or cauliflower to the mix. When it comes to toppings, almost anything goes. Muhammara pairs well with slivers of preserved lemon when dolloped on top of latkes, and a combo of fig jam and blue cheese make a great pairing of sweet and salty flavors. Here are a just a few ideas to get you started with your own modern latke creations.