Beyond Applesauce: Delicious Dishes to Serve with Latkes

Latkes. The crispy, golden potato pancakes are a quintessential part of Hanukkah celebrations, and for good reason. Their savory, satisfying crunch is simply irresistible. But when it comes to planning a complete Hanukkah meal, many cooks find themselves pondering the same question year after year: What To Serve With Latkes?

It’s a valid culinary conundrum. Latkes, while delicious, are undeniably rich and starchy. Pairing them with the wrong dishes can lead to a heavy, monotonous meal. Roast chicken? Perhaps, but it lacks a certain harmonious connection. Pasta? A starch overload. Cheese-smothered dishes? Decadently rich to the point of being overwhelming. Even a simple frittata, while a good vegetarian option, sometimes misses the mark in terms of providing a truly complementary contrast.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, serving the same predictable sides with your latkes, you’re not alone. Many home cooks seek dishes that not only taste delicious alongside these potato pancakes but also offer balance, flavor contrast, and nutritional variety. This year, let’s move beyond the standard applesauce and sour cream and explore a range of exciting and satisfying options to serve with your latkes, creating a Hanukkah feast that’s both traditional and refreshingly new.

To help you elevate your latke game, we’ll delve into a variety of side dishes, from vibrant vegetable options to hearty soups and stews, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable holiday meal.

Savory Vegetable Sides to Balance the Richness

One of the best ways to complement the richness of latkes is with fresh, vibrant vegetable dishes. Think about textures and flavors that cut through the fried goodness and add brightness to your plate.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Consider roasting a medley of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by roasting, provides a delightful counterpoint to the savory latkes. Toss them with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Alt: A close-up of roasted root vegetables including carrots and parsnips, glistening with herbs, a vibrant side dish idea for serving with latkes.
Winter Slaw with a Tangy Vinaigrette: A crisp and tangy slaw offers a welcome textural contrast and acidity to balance the fried latkes. Use sturdy winter vegetables like cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts, and dress it with a bright vinaigrette made with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Adding dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds can enhance the festive feel.
Sautéed Greens with Garlic: Simple sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, lightly seasoned with garlic and olive oil, provide a healthy and flavorful side. Their slight bitterness and fresh taste cut through the richness of the latkes beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. A balsamic glaze adds a touch of tanginess and depth that complements the savory latkes.

Hearty Soups and Stews for a Cozy Hanukkah Meal

For a more substantial and warming meal, consider serving latkes with a flavorful soup or stew. This combination is especially perfect for a chilly winter evening and offers a comforting and satisfying Hanukkah dinner.

Lentil Soup: As highlighted in the original article, lentil soup is an excellent vegetarian pairing for latkes. Its earthy flavors, hearty texture, and nutritional value make it a winning choice. A lentil soup with vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach offers a balanced and colorful complement to the golden latkes.

Alt: A comforting bowl of vegetarian lentil soup with visible spinach and lentils, suggesting a protein-rich side dish to serve with latkes.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: The smooth, slightly sweet flavor of butternut squash soup provides a lovely contrast to the savory, crispy latkes. Its creamy texture is also a pleasant departure from the fried potatoes. You can add a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tomato Soup: A classic tomato soup, especially a homemade version with roasted tomatoes, offers a comforting and slightly acidic counterpoint to latkes. Its bright flavor and lighter texture make it a refreshing accompaniment.
Beef Brisket Stew (for meat eaters): For those who enjoy meat, a slow-braised beef brisket stew can be a deeply flavorful and traditional pairing for latkes. The rich, savory stew complements the latkes, creating a hearty and festive meal.

Dips, Toppings, and Interactive Latke Bars

Beyond traditional side dishes, consider setting up a latke toppings bar for an interactive and fun dining experience. This allows guests to customize their latkes and adds variety to the meal.

Classic Toppings: Of course, applesauce and sour cream are classic for a reason and should be included in your toppings bar.
Savory Dips and Spreads: Offer savory options like:
- Whipped Feta Dip: Creamy, tangy, and flavorful, whipped feta is a delicious Mediterranean-inspired topping.
- Smoked Salmon Dip: For a more sophisticated touch, a smoked salmon dip adds richness and smoky flavor.
- Caramelized Onion Jam: Sweet and savory caramelized onion jam provides a delightful flavor contrast.
- Mushroom Duxelles: A savory mushroom spread adds umami and earthiness.
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes: Include chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, as well as lemon wedges, to brighten up the flavors and add visual appeal.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipe (Enhanced)

This enhanced lentil soup recipe is designed to be the perfect vegetarian companion to your latkes, offering a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
8 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve hot alongside latkes. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.

Conclusion

Serving latkes is a joyous Hanukkah tradition, and with a little creativity, you can elevate your meal beyond the ordinary. By choosing side dishes that offer contrasting flavors, textures, and nutritional balance, you can create a truly memorable and satisfying Hanukkah feast. Whether you opt for vibrant roasted vegetables, hearty soups, or an interactive toppings bar, the key is to complement the richness of the latkes and create a well-rounded culinary experience for your guests. So this Hanukkah, embrace the delicious possibilities and enjoy exploring new and exciting pairings for your golden potato pancakes!