Latke

A latke is a savory, pan-fried potato pancake, traditionally made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and a binder like matzo meal or flour. It is a staple dish of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, particularly associated with the holiday of Hanukkah.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Latkes are high in carbohydrates from the potatoes and fat from the frying oil, making them a calorie-dense food. A typical serving provides a good source of potassium and some vitamin C, with a rough ballpark of 200-300 calories per medium-sized pancake.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	260 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.5 mg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Zinc	0.8 mg

Per 2 latkes (113 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, latkes are eaten during Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the rededicated Temple. Nutritionally, the traditional preparation method of frying in oil is central to the holiday's symbolism, making the cooking process itself a meaningful ritual.