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    Home » Recipes » Hanukkah recipes

    Published: Dec 2, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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

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    Plantain latkes with lime crema offer a Latin food twist on a traditional Jewish Hanukkah recipe. Made gluten free and AIP-friendly, latkes de plátano would delight any brunch or Hanukkah dinner!

    stack of latkes with lime cream and cilantro leaf

    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!

    plantain latkes on big blue plate and small serving with fork

    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!

    placing big platter of plantain latkes on table
    plantain latkes ingredients

    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.

    How to make Jewish plantain pancakes

    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.

    mixing latkes batter in bowl

    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.

    flipping latkes in pan

    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!).

    lime crema

    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.

    pouring lime cream on latkes
    spoon pouring lime cream on latkes

    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.

    latkes in pan

    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).

    close up on latkes stack with plate in background

    FAQ

    Can you grate plantains?

    Yes. I recommend using a food processor to make short work of this recipe, but you can absolutely grate plantains using a manual box grater.

    Can you freeze latkes?

    Absolutely! I recommend making a double or triple batch of this recipe, and freezing the remaining latkes. All you need to is put them in a 300 F oven for 10 minutes - and they can be reheated from frozen!

    Can you make this into vegan latkes?

    You can use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs to make these plantain latkes vegan.

    stack of latkes with lime cream and cilantro leaf
    Plantain latkes with lime crema offer a Latin food twist on a traditional Jewish Hanukkah recipe. Made gluten free and AIP-friendly, latkes de plátano would delight any brunch or Hanukkah dinner!

    Love Jewish food?

    • Lox and Bagel Board for Brunch
    • How to Cook Halloumi Cheese (Grilled and Fried Halloumi Recipes)
    • Banana Chocolate Sufganiyot Recipe (Hanukkah Chunky Monkey Donuts)
    • Baba ganoush without tahini {GF, keto}

    Want more recipes for Hanukkah?

    • Maple Sufganiyot with Dulce de Leche Filling
    • Oreo Sufganiyot add a chocolate touch to your Hanukkah doughnuts
    • Apple potato latkes with curried yogurt sauce (GF, Veg)
    • Beet latkes with dill creme fraiche and a Winnipeg Cooks cookbook GIVEAWAY (Gluten-free)
    plantain latkes on big blue plate and small serving with fork

    If you made this recipe, tag me on social media (@immigrantstable), and please leave a comment and a star rating below!

    Plantain Latkes with Lime Crema

    Ksenia Prints
    Plantain latkes with lime crema offer a Latin food twist on a traditional Jewish Hanukkah recipe. Made gluten free and AIP-friendly, latkes de plátano would delight any brunch or Hanukkah dinner!
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer, Breakfast, brunch
    Cuisine Ashkenazi, Colombian, Eastern European, Fusion, Jewish, Latin American
    Servings 24 latkes
    Calories 115 kcal

    Equipment

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

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 eggs
    • 4-5 green-yellow plantains peeled
    • 1 large onion peeled
    • 4 tablespoons cassava flour or matza meal
    • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil

    Lime crema:

    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 lime zest and juice of

    Instructions
     

    • Grate the 6 plantains and the onion in a food processor, or on the largest holes in a grater.
    • Strain the liquid in a large strainer, and pat with paper towels until fully dried.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk all the eggs together. Add the grated plantain mixture and onions. Stir with a spatula until fully combined.
    • Add flour (or matza meal), baking powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large pan set to medium heat. Drop 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 they start 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. Transfer onto a paper-towel lined plate until all plantain latkes have been fried.

    Make Lime Crema:

    • In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and the zest and juice of 1 lime, my favorite Latin flavors!
    • Serve plantain latkes with Lime Crema, Colombian aji or pico de gallo.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 181mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.4mg
    Keyword AIP friendly, Chanukah, dairy free option, gluten-free, Hanukkah, latkes, low fodmap, onions, plantains, platanos, vegan option
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More The Yummiest Jewish Hanukkah Recipes

    • Gluten-free sufganiyot with cardamom coffee cream {GF}
    • Lemon ricotta pancakes, or the original latke {GF, baked}
    • Vegetarian bastilles, kolduny, or vegetarian stuffed potato patties with a mushroom filling
    • Apple-granola baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah honey puffs), or a lightened-up Hanukkah treat

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    Privet, I am Ksenia Prints! A food and travel blogger, photographer and storyteller. I help adventurous home cooks explore the world through healthy, beautiful immigrant recipes.

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