These bite-sized latkes are superb! The cayenne-spiced crème fraîche is perfect with the sweet, mellow beets.
To read the Rockland Magazine Hanukkah feature (in which this recipe was originally published), and for all the other recipes from the article, click here: Lights, candles, latkes! How to throw an unforgettable Hanukkah dinner party.
Food & wine pairing: Blanc de Noirs with beet latkes
A sparkling wine or Champagne, either Blanc de Noirs or rosé is marvelous with these flavorful latkes.
Beet latkes with scallion and cayenne crème fraîche
makes 48 silver-dollar-sized latkes
active time: 40 min
For the latkes
- 1 lb (455 g) (4 medium) baked red beetroots – peeled and coarsely chopped in a food processor (3 cups)
- 12 scallions – ends trimmed and thinly sliced (2 1/2 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 extra large eggs – lightly beaten
For the cayenne crème fraîche
- 2/3 cup crème fraîche
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (or to taste)
- olive oil for the pan
- Step 1: Place the beets and scallions in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with the flour, salt and pepper. Toss well. Drizzle with the eggs and toss until well blended.
- Step 2: Heat a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over high heat. Add enough oil to generously cover the pan, about 1/8″. Using a dessert spoon, scoop up a heaping teaspoon of batter and shape it into a mound. Drop each latke into the hot oil. Slightly flatten with the back of the spoon. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden-brown. Flip the latkes and sauté for another 2 minutes until golden-brown, reducing the heat when the pan gets very hot (so that the oil doesn’t burn). Transfer to a tray lined with a paper towel. Repeat until the beet mixture has all been used up, adding more oil to the pan as necessary. Place the crème fraîche in a small bowl. Add the cayenne and gently mix until well bended. Do not overmix or the crème fraîche will become too loose. Transfer to a small serving bowl. Place the latkes on a serving platter. Serve with the cayenne crème fraîche on the side.
- Cook’s note: For the crispiest latkes, serve them as soon as they’re made. However, the latkes can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated. To reheat, place on a baking tray and bake at 375°F (190ºC) for 6 to 7 minutes until sizzling.
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This recipe inspired me to use up left over grated baked beets and fork mashed potatoes. It was just enough for one, so when I added the egg it was runny, I firmed it up with flour. What a grand lunch I had with the spicy cream dip on the side. I want to try your recipe as written but was so pleased it adapted to what was in my fridge!
Hello Ulrike, I am so glad to know that even with some adaptation, the recipe turned out yummy! Thank you so much for your note. I do hope you get to make this recipe again soon!
sounds yummy! Any suggestions for a gluten free version?
Hi Jenn! Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of the all-purpose flour, in the same quantity the recipe calls for. The very best one on the market is Cup4Cup (http://www.cup4cup.com/), but Bob’s Red Mill is also wonderful (http://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free-all-purpose-baking-flour.html)… Enjoy, my dear!
Thanks!
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This is unique and beautiful!
Wow! What a creative recipe. We will do this one soon. Your site is spectacular…love it. Best from Jefferson’s Table.
Thank you so much Sherry – you’ve got me smiling from ear to ear!
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Very impressive. Thanks for the recipe! I’m looking for one to use with some beets I just got with my CSA.
Yum! How gorgeous and I’ve never made latkes but have been wanting to try, this is such a simple recipe and I have previously cooked beets asking me to do somethin with them!
The butternut squash ones are also a must try. Oh happy day!
We never had latkes like this when I was growing up. Fabulous!!
LL
I love the color – very unique and festive looking! Wondering if there’s a way to make this dairy free. I’m sure there is. I have cow milk allergy.
Yum, I made some beets last night and put them in the fridge. I’m going to make these Latkes for my Cauldron Boy. That would make him so happy, since it is Hanukkah and all;)!
I love the spiciness!!
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