Healthy latkes: blasphemy, you say? Perhaps, but sometimes the eight-day fried food overload at Hanukkah can be a bit overwhelming for the digestive system.
Plus, while frying things in hot oil may result in deliciousness, it can be a recipe for disaster with small children running around—and it’s so messy. If you’re looking to cut the oil just a smidge (a smidge we said!) or sneak some extra veggies into your children’s meal, here are some suggestions from Help! staff and readers.
Healthier Latke Suggestions:
“A trick I have for Hannukah is that I sometimes use blended cauliflower and combine it with the potatoes, so at least I know people are getting some sort of vegetable with their greasy, fried potato pancake!”
—Tracie, Help! publisher and mom of two, ages 12 and 9
“I always include zucchini and carrot in my latkes.”
—Ruth, super-aunt to 5-year-old twins
“Make [latkes] the same way, just place on parchment paper to absorb some of the oil.”
—Deborah, grandmother
“I’ve baked latkes. You might get some complaints from diehard fried-food fans, but I loved them. You can’t make thick latkes though; they get too mushy.”
—Sarah, mom of one, age 5
[Editor’s note: Try this thin, crispy oven-fried latke recipe. Two thumbs up! Wait…make that six thumbs!]
“Sweet potato latkes—or any root veg, really. They are fried in oil, as all Hanukkah recipes should be, but how healthy are you expecting?”
—Rachel, mom of two, ages 6 and 2
IMAGE: LYNN GARDNER/FLICKR CC
