Plantain latkes with lime crema sauce {gluten free, AIP friendly)

Inspiring roots and vegetables

This latin flavors twist on a Hanukkah recipe was inspired by my travels to Colombia. Green plantains are a staple of Latin America. Plaintain latkes are common in Jewish kitchens in Colombia and Costa Rica, and plantain fritters are a common recipe across the Carribean coast.

Plantains are a distant relative of the banana. Their flavor varies based on their level of ripeness. For latkes, you need green plantains.

I love plantains because they are naturally gluten free and low in carbs, sugars and other inflammatories. They are great for those on a gluten free, celiac, low FODMAP or AIP diet.

This one unique ingredient has helped inspire a whole new take on my latkes recipes, and I can't wait to share it with you!

What are Latkes?

Latkes are a traditional Jewish dish served for Hanukkah. They are pan-fried pancakes usually made from grated potatoes, egg and flour, and seasoned with salt and pepper. Latkes can be served as part of a main course or as a snack.

During the holiday season, in Eastern European Jewish households potato latkes are generally served with applesauce or sour cream, although some families also like to top them with jam or sugar.

But in other parts of the world, latkes have very different ingredients toppings - like this latke, which I like to serve with homemade lime cream.

Latkes have been part of Jewish culture for centuries; the first written mention of them dates back to the late 16th century in Germany. Today, they remain an important part of Hanukkah celebrations around the world.

Latkes are a symbol of victory for Jews because the original Chanukah story centers on a miracle where oil burned for eight days instead of one. Eating latkes is viewed as an act of remembrance and celebration during this important holiday season.

Every year, I like to make a different version of the traditional age-old recipe for these fritters. This one took me straight to my husband's Colombian roots!

Ingredients

I based this recipe on Joan Nathan's traditional latke recipe, swapping the potatoes for plantains. Here are the ingredients you need to make this great kosher Jewish Latin fusion recipe:

• Green-yellow plantains - plantains vary in flavor by color, and you want to use firm, underripe green plantains for this. If they have a bit of yellow, that's perfectly fine! Green plantains fry up beautifully and have a more tropical taste than boring old potatoes.
• Eggs - they act as a binder. To make this recipe vegan, substitute these for flax eggs or chia eggs.
• Onion - for years, I avoided grating onions for latkes - but their contribution to the taste of the latke can't be beat! Though grating an onion will definitely make you cry, I find that using a food processor greatly decreases the amount of tears.
• Cassava flour (or matza meal) - you can use cassava flour, regular flour or even matza meal in this recipe. To keep it gluten free and low FODMAP, I recommend sticking to the cassava root flour.
• Baking powder - this will lighten the batter and give your fritters a bit of height.
• Salt & pepper
• Melted coconut oil or vegetable oil - for shallow frying. Use coconut oil for a more tropical taste, and to make sure that your lovely recipe doesn't stick to the skillet.

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Grate plantains and onions

Grate the 6 plantains and the onion in a food processor, or on the largest holes on a box grater.

Strain the liquid in a large strainer, and pat with paper towels until fully dried.

Make latke batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the grated plantains and onions. Stir with a spoon or spatula spatula until fully combined.

To the latke mixture add flour (or matza meal), baking powder, salt, and pepper.

Fry latkes

Coat the bottom of a large nonstick pan or cast iron skillet with oil - I like to add about 1 inch of oil. Bring it to medium heat; frying in overly hot oil or cold oil will result in greasy latkes. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture onto the pan to form each plantain latke. Use a spatula to gently press the latke down on the skillet. Fry latkes in oil on one side until golden brown and starting to crisp around the edges, about 2-3 minutes. Turn over to the other side, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides (the longer you cook them, the crispier they get). Transfer onto a paper-towel lined plate to catch excess oil until all plantain latkes have been fried. Sprinkle with salt, if desired (latkes taste great if salty!).

Make Lime Crema:

In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and the zest and juice of 1 lime, my favorite Latin flavors! Taste and correct seasongings; you may want to add a bit more or less lime juice than the stated quantity, depending on your palate.

Serve plantain latkes with Lime Crema, Colombian aji or pico de gallo.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• pancake spatula optional
• Food processor optional
• box grater

I like to use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan for frying latkes.

To grate the mountains of plantains and onions, I recommend a Food processor, though you can also do this on a box grater.

Other variations

plantain latkes with avocado crema - blend and avocado and 2 tablespoons of sour cream in a food processor, and serve with these plantain latkes.

plantain latkes with garlic sauce - instead of lime zest and juice, and 1 minced head of garlic to the sour cream.

Serve them with refried beans, pico de gallo and guacamole.

Serve them with Colombian aji sauce for a special Colombian take on Latkes De Plátano + Salsa De Ajo (Plantain Latkes with Garlic Sauce).