In Hebrew the word "Hanukkah" means dedication. This eight day holiday celebrates the re-dedication of the holy temple in Jerusalem right after the Jewish conquest over the Syrian Greeks. Eight days of oil were required to purify the temple but only one day of oil was found. Miraculously the oil lasted for eight days and nights.
The oil is represented in the foods served during this holiday. Latkes (potato pancakes) are the most traditional foods eaten. But usually latkes, are so high in fat and calories due to the excess oil. Here's my take on a Three Root Vegetable Latke that's baked and served with either light sour cream or apple sauce. If you like firmer latkes add 2 tablespoons of flour.
Photo: Mike McColl, from The Best of Rose Reisman (Whitecap Books)
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups diced onion
1 tsp crushed garlic
2 tsp brown sugar
2 cups grated peeled sweet potatoes
2 cups grated peeled baking potato
1 cup grated peeled parsnips
3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
2 eggs
pinch of salt and pepper
½ cup tzatziki
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large oven dish with vegetable oil.
2. In a skillet sprayed with vegetable oil, add the oil, onions and garlic. Sauté on medium heat for 10 minutes until tender. Add the sugar and sauté another 5 minutes. Place in a mixing bowl.
3. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated vegetables. Add the vegetables to the onion mixture along with the dill, eggs and salt and pepper.
4. Pat into 12 latkes, flatten and place them in an oven dish. Spray the patties with vegetable oil. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through the baking time, just until the vegetables are tender. Serve with the tzatziki.
Preparation time 20 minutes
Cooking time 35 minutes
Make ahead Grate the vegetables early in the day but keep them covered with water and refrigerated. Drain well, then prepare.
Nutrition information per serving (2 latkes)
Calories 167
Carbohydrates 32.1 g
Fibre 4.9 g
Protein 4.2 g
Total fat 2.7 g
Saturated fat 0.7 g
Cholesterol 47 mg
Sodium 84 mg
From: The Best of Rose Reisman (Whitecap Books) By: Rose Reisman
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