Potato pancake#Latke

{{short description|Shallow-fried pancakes of grated or ground potato}}

{{Infobox food

| name = Potato pancake

| image = Latkas.jpg

| caption = Potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream

| alternate_name =

| country =

| region = Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe

| creator =

| course =

| type = Pancake

| served =

| main_ingredient = Potatoes, flour, egg, cooking oil

| variations =

| calories =

| other =

}}

Potato pancakes are shallow-fried pancakes consisting of grated or ground potato, matzo meal or flour and a binding ingredient such as egg or apple sauce, often flavored with grated garlic or onion and seasonings. They may be topped with a variety of condiments, ranging from the savory (such as sour cream or cottage cheese), to the sweet (such as apple sauce or sugar), or they may be served plain. The dish is sometimes made from mashed potatoes to make pancake-shaped croquettes.{{cite web |url=http://www.all-about-potatoes.com/mashed-potato-pancakes.html |title=Mashed potato pancake recipe |publisher=All-about-potatoes.com |access-date=2011-12-25 |archive-date=2012-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218151446/http://www.all-about-potatoes.com/mashed-potato-pancakes.html |url-status=dead }} Some variations are made with sweet potatoes.{{Cite book| publisher = UNC Press Books| isbn = 978-1-4696-1790-9| last = Moose| first = Debbie| title = Southern Holidays: a Savor the South® cookbook| date = 2014-09-15}}{{Cite web| title = Sweet Potato Latkes, 2 Ways| work = Food Network| access-date = 2018-11-08| url = https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/recipes/2015/12/sweet-potato-latkes-2-ways}}

In different cultures

File:Potato pancakes.jpgian {{lang|be-Latn|draniki}} in a traditional crockery dish]]

Potato pancakes are associated with various European cuisines, including Irish (as boxty), German and Austrian (as Kartoffelpuffer, {{lang|de|Reibekuchen}}, {{lang|de|Reiberdatschi}}, {{lang|de|Erdäpfelpuffer}} and {{lang|de|Erdäpfellaibchen}}), Dutch (as {{lang|nl|aardappelpannenkoek}}, {{lang|nl|reifkoeken}}, {{lang|nl|reifjes}}), Belarusian (as {{lang|be|дранікі}} {{lang|be-Latn|draniki}}), Bulgarian (as {{lang|bg-Latn|patatnik}}), Czech (as {{lang|cs|bramborák}}, {{lang|cs|cmunda}} or vošouch), Hungarian (as {{lang|hu|tócsni}}, {{lang|hu|lapcsánka}} and other names), Jewish (as {{lang|yi-Latn|latka}}, {{langx|yi|לאַטקע}},Comprehensive Yiddish–English Dictionary, 359 {{langx|he|לביבה}} {{lang|he-Latn|levivah}}, plural {{lang|he|לביבות}} {{lang|he-Latn|levivot}}), Latvian (as {{lang|lv|kartupeļu pankūkas}}), Lithuanian (as {{lang|lt|bulviniai blynai}}), Luxembourg ({{lang|lb|Gromperekichelcher}}), Polish (as {{lang|pl|placki ziemniaczane}}), Romanian (as tocini or tocinei), Russian (as {{lang|ru|драники}} {{lang|ru-Latn|draniki}}), Slovak (as {{lang|sk|zemiakové placky}}), Ukrainian (as {{lang|uk|деруни}} {{lang|uk-Latn|deruny}}), Italian (frittelle di patate) and any cuisine that has adopted similar dishes. In Spain they are called tortillitas de patatas; in Mexico in some areas they are called tortitas de papa or camaron, and are only prepared in some regions for Lent or meatless Fridays.

It is the national dish of Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Slovakia. In Germany, potato pancakes are eaten either salty (as a side dish) or sweet with apple sauce,{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220012928/http://whatscookingdad.com/potato-pancakes/ |archive-date=2012-02-20 |title=Potato pancakes recipe at "Whats Cooking Dad?" |publisher=Whatscookingdad.com |date=2009-01-06 |access-date=2011-12-25 |url=http://whatscookingdad.com/potato-pancakes/}} or blueberries, sugar and cinnamon; they are a very common menu item during outdoor markets and festivals in colder seasons. In Swiss cuisine, {{lang|de|rösti}} is a variation that never contains egg or flour. American hash browns are also without eggs and flour. Potato pancakes are a traditional favorite in southern Indiana during holiday festivities.{{cite web | url=http://www.branchsmith.com/ebook/cnhi/29367_CNHI/index.html#/30/ | title=News Quiz: Special Holiday Edition | publisher=2011 Southern Indiana Current Magazine | access-date=December 8, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426035319/http://www.branchsmith.com/ebook/cnhi/29367_CNHI/index.html#/30/ | archive-date=April 26, 2012 | url-status=dead }} In Taranto, Italy, potato pancakes are called frittelle di patate alla tarantina and are made with potatoes, salt and Canestrato Pugliese.

File:Kartoffelpuffer.jpg]]

= Swedish ''{{lang|sv|raggmunkar}}'', ''{{lang|sv|potatisplättar}}'', ''{{lang|sv|rårakor}}'' and ''{{lang|sv|potatisbullar}}'' =

File:Raggmunk .jpg

There are four Swedish versions of potato pancakes.

{{lang|sv|Raggmunkar}} are prepared with a pancake batter of wheat flour, milk and egg, into which shredded raw potatoes are added. They are fried in butter and look like crêpes (i.e. thin pancakes).[https://www.koket.se/grundrecept-pa-raggmunk Köket: Grundrecept på raggmunk] (Swedish only) Linked 2019-02-14
{{lang|sv|Potatisplättar}} are also made of pancake batter and shredded potatoes, but the potatoes are cooked before they are shredded.[https://www.koket.se/potatisplattar-2 Köket: Potatisplättar] (Swedish only) Linked 2019-02-14
{{lang|sv|Rårakor}} are a variant more akin to hash browns and rösti, i.e. shredded raw potatoes formed as thin pancakes, but without any batter, which are fried in butter. They can be served as a fancy starter with sour creme, red onion and Kalix Löjrom.[https://www.koket.se/raraka-grundrecept Köket: Råraka, grundrecept] (Swedish only) Linked 2019-02-14
{{lang|sv|Potatisbullar}} are rather thick pancake-like patties of mashed potatoes and eggs, which are turned in breadcrumbs and then fried in butter. Can be bought ready-made in Sweden.[https://www.hemtrevligt.se/hemmetsjournal/recept/potatisbullar-10949/ Hemmets Journal: Potatisbullar] (Swedish only) Linked 2019-02-14

All four variants are traditionally served with fried bacon and lingonberry jam.

= British potato cakes =

Potato cakes are common in the United Kingdom. In the North-East of England (particularly County Durham), there is a dish known as "tattie fish" because the pancake resembles a deep-fried piece of fish. The pancake consists of flour, eggs, shredded potatoes and onions. Some people add tomato or cheese to the mix.

The British also brought potato pancakes to former colonies such as Zimbabwe, where they are an affordable dish still eaten today.

=Irish ''boxty''=

A form of potato pancake known as boxty ({{langx|ga|bacstaí}}) is a popular traditional dish in most of Ireland, particularly north Connacht and southern Ulster. It is made similarly to the British type, with more starch and often with buttermilk and baking soda. It has a smooth, grained consistency.

= Jewish ''latke'' {{anchor|Latke}} =

File:LatkeFry.JPG

Latkes ({{lang|he|לאַטקע}}, sometimes spelled latka) are potato pancakes that Ashkenazi Jews have prepared as part of the Hanukkah festival{{cite book|last1=Koenig|first1=Leah|title=Modern Jewish Cooking: Recipes & Customs for Today's Kitchen|date=17 March 2015|publisher=Chronicle Books|isbn=9781452132327|page=119|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Amg_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA119|access-date=22 December 2015}} since the mid-1800s,{{cite book|last1=Marks|first1=Gil|title=Encyclopedia of Jewish Food|date=17 November 2010|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|isbn=978-0544186316|page=707|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gFK_yx7Ps7cC&pg=PT707|access-date=22 December 2015}} when a series of crop failures in Poland and Ukraine led to mass planting of potatoes, which were easy and cheap to grow. The potato dish is based on an older variant made with cheese instead of potatoes that goes back to at least the Middle Ages.{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/food/features/history-of-latkes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107211050/http://www.pbs.org/food/features/history-of-latkes/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2012|title=Discover the History of Latkes - PBS Food|website=PBS |date=12 December 2011}}

Latkes need not necessarily be made from potatoes. Prior to the introduction of the potato to the Old World, latkes were and in some places still are made from a variety of other vegetables, cheeses, legumes, or starches, depending on the available local ingredients and foods of the various places where Jews lived.{{cite news |last1=Appelbaum |first1=Yoni |title=Everything You Know About Latkes Is Wrong |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/12/the-great-latke-lie/420018/ |access-date=22 December 2015 |work=The Atlantic |date=11 December 2015 }} Numerous modern recipes call for the addition of ingredients such as onions and carrots.Rachael Ray, [http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/quick-potato-and-carrot-latkes-recipe/index.html Quick Potato and Carrot Latkes], [http://www.foodnetwork.com The Food Network], December 20, 2008.Philip and Karen Selwyn, [http://groups.google.com/group/rec.food.cuisine.jewish/msg/517874a7f50f71a1 Potato-carrot-onion Latkes], rec.food.cuisine.jewish archives, Oct. 11, 1998, 1:00 AM. Daily variations on a simple potato latka might include zucchini, sweet onion and gruyere (for French onion flavor) and some variations made with sweet potatoes.{{cite news |title=The only latke recipe video you'll ever need |url=https://www.jta.org/2015/12/04/culture/the-only-latke-recipe-video-youll-ever-need |access-date=1 February 2019 |publisher=JTA |date=1 February 2019}}

The word {{lang|yi-Latn|latke}} itself is derived (via Yiddish) from the East Slavic word {{lang|ru-Latn|ladka}}, {{lang|ru-Latn|oladka}}, a diminutive from {{lang|ru-Latn|oladya}} ({{lang|ru|оладья}}), "small pancake". The word {{Transliteration|he|levivah}} ({{lang|he|לביבה}}), the Hebrew name for latke, refers in the Book of Samuel to a dumpling made from kneaded dough, as part of the story of Amnon and Tamar.{{cite web |author=DLC |url=http://www.balashon.com/2006/12/leviva.html |title=Analysis of the word "latke" |publisher=Balashon |date=2006-12-18 |access-date=2011-12-25}}

Some interpreters have noted that the homonym {{Transliteration|he|levav}} ({{lang|he|לבב}}) means "heart", and the verbal form of l-v-v occurs in the Song of Songs as well. In the lexicon of Ashkenazi Jews from Udmurtia and Tatarstan there are recorded versions of the kosher-style appellation of latkes (draniki, dranki, krezliki, kremzliki, kakorki, etc.) during the eight-day Hanukkah holiday.Altyntsev A. V., "The Concept of Love in Ashkenazim of Udmurtia and Tatarstan", Nauka Udmurtii. 2013. No. 4 (66), p. 131. (Алтынцев А. В., [http://snioo.ru/images/stories/nu-print/nu4662013.pdf "Чувство любви в понимании евреев-ашкенази Удмуртии и Татарстана"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321144214/http://snioo.ru/images/stories/nu-print/nu4662013.pdf |date=2017-03-21 }}. Наука Удмуртии. 2013. №4. С. 131: Комментарии {{in lang|ru}}).

= Korean ''gamja-jeon'' =

File:Korean potato pancake-Gamjajeon-02.jpg]]

Gamja-jeon ({{Korean|hangul=감자전|labels=no|lit="potato pancake"}}) is a Korean pancake made by pan-frying in oil the mixture of grated potato and potato starch. It can be made without additional ingredients, but is sometimes mixed with onion, chilli and perilla leaf. Generally, it is seasoned with a small amount of salt and served with soy sauce.

=Polish ''{{lang|pl|placki ziemniaczane}}''=

File:Placki ziemniaczane polish potato pancake and goulash dish 2010.jpg (sheep's milk cheese) and sour cream (perhaps mixed with yogurt) in a restaurant in Zakopane, Poland]]

Potato pancakes, literally translated in Polish as {{lang|pl|placki ziemniaczane}}, are often served in Poland topped with meat sauce, pork crisps or goulash, as well as sour cream, apple sauce, mushroom sauce,Krzysztof Kucharski, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120309005002/http://www.gazetawroclawska.pl/artykul/38201,masz-dolnoslazaku-placek,id,t.html?cookie=1 "Nie wszyscy pewnie wiedzą.." (Not everybody knows).] Gazeta Wrocławska, Poland, 2008-08-22. {{in lang|pl}} and cottage or sheep's cheese or even fruit syrup. Placki ziemniaczane was a food staple at the 17th-century Polish monasteries according to written recipe from Stoczek Warmiński with one onion, two eggs and a spoonful of wheat flour per each kilogram of potatoes, served only with salt and pepper.{{cite web |url=http://www.szlak-pielgrzymkowy.pl/pNP4OQ5wf |title=Placki ziemniaczane |publisher=Szlak Pielgrzymkowy - Święte Miejsca Warmii |work=Kącik kulinarny |access-date=December 31, 2012 |language=pl}} In the 19th century,Krzysztof Kucharski, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120724032406/http://www.gazetawroclawska.pl/artykul/38201,masz-dolnoslazaku-placek,3,id,t,sa.html "Nie wszyscy pewnie wiedzą.." str. 3 (Not everybody knows, p. 3).] Gazeta Wrocławska, Poland, 2008-08-22. {{in lang|pl}} especially in times of economic difficulty during the foreign partitions, potato pancakes often replaced missing bread among the peasants. The lower-quality crops given to field laborers were sometimes turned by them quickly into pancakes to improve taste and prolong freshness.[http://gotowanie.onet.pl/1529452,1,placki_ziemniaczane_czyli_swojsko_i_z_charakterem,artykul.html Different recipes for "placki ziemniaczane" at Onet.pl] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722133707/http://gotowanie.onet.pl/1529452,1,placki_ziemniaczane_czyli_swojsko_i_z_charakterem,artykul.html |date=2011-07-22 }} {{in lang|pl}} Also, their popularity is closely associated with the historic presence of one of the largest Jewish communities in the world flourishing in Poland.

The largest potato pancake (possibly in the world), measuring 2 meters and 2 centimeters, was made during the annual two-day celebrations of {{lang|pl|Święto Plinzy}} (Plinza festival) in Rzechta, Poland ([https://web.archive.org/web/20131126013337/http://rzechta.pl/wp-content/gallery/swieto-plinzy2009/104943_1248816490_6498_p.jpg see photo]). The tongue-in-cheek games in Rzechta include the throwing of bad potato pancake, with the record of 29 meters.{{cite web |url=http://echoturku.net.pl/com_news/com_news_items/view_one_news/486 |title=Wysmażyli największy placek ziemniaczany świata |trans-title=They made the largest pancake in the world) | publisher=Wydawnictwo - Przegląd Koniński (publishing) |work=Święto plinzy Rzechta 2011 in Echo Turku (Plinza holiday in Rzechta) |date=August 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |language=pl }}

== Brigand's pancake ==

A derived dish consists of thick goulash laid on a potato pancake. It has origins in or near Tatra mountains, on either Polish or Slovak side. The dish bears a variety of names:

placek zbójnicki (brigand's) — most common
placek cygański (gypsy's)
placek węgierski (Hungarian) — despite being unknown in Hungary; but goulash (the topping) itself comes from Hungary
jadło drwali (lumberjacks' food)
placek góralski (mountainmen's)

=Czech ''{{lang|cs|bramborák}}''=

File:bramboracky.jpg

A Czech potato pancake is called {{lang|cs|bramborák}} (from {{lang|cs|brambor}}, potato) and it is made of grated potatoes with egg, breadcrumbs or flour and seasoning (salt, pepper, most importantly garlic and marjoram; sometimes ground, cracked or whole caraway seeds) and is served as it is ([https://www.czechology.com/bramboraky/ see recipe]). Some regional versions blend in dough, sauerkraut or sliced smoked meat. The same potato dough is used also as coating of fried pork chop called {{lang|cs|kaplický řízek}}. It is sometimes deep fried.

=Iranian {{Transliteration|glk|kuku sib zamini}}=

In Iranian cuisine, {{Transliteration|glk|kuku sib-zamini}} ({{langx|glk|کوکو سیب زمینی}}, 'potato {{Transliteration|glk|kuku}}') is made with shredded potatoes, eggs, onion, saffron, sometimes garlic chives and sometimes cinnamon. Frequently, potato kuku is cooked as smaller patties, but it is also cooked in a larger pancake-style or baked.{{Cite web |url=http://vidavitality.com/kukusibzaminipotatopatties/ |title=Kuku-ye Sibzamini (Potato Patties) |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=Vida Vitality, Bad Assing it All The Way |publisher=VidaVitality.com |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019034318/http://vidavitality.com/kukusibzaminipotatopatties/ |url-status=dead }} This dish has been compared{{by whom|date=December 2019}} to the {{lang|yi-Latn|latke}}, {{lang|de|rösti}} and {{lang|es|tortilla Española}} (Spanish omelette).