Healthier and more Tasty without Eggs

I developed this great recipe for fried potato latkes that are traditionally served during the 8-day Chanukah festival. Grated potatoes are a natural binder, so there is no need to add eggs. Eggs have been shown to raise the risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and of course cannot be eaten by people with egg allergies. For more about the health problems of eggs, see our blog post No-Egg Honey Cake from September 26, 2021, . I also find that the taste is actually improved by leaving out the eggs.

Grate 2-3 large potatoes or 4-5 medium sized potatoes.

Add a grated small or medium onion. You can substitute 2 grated leeks for the onion.

Garlic Lovers and People with Allergies to Onion

If you love garlic or have allergies to onion you can crush 4 cloves of garlic instead of the onion. These garlic flavored latkes are absolutely delicious!

Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and mix.

Add salt or pepper to taste (optional).

Do not drain off the potato juice that you will see at the bottom of the mixing bowl.

Then add just enough whole wheat, spelt or rye flour to absorb the potato juice and make it easy to form into patties. The potato juice acts as a natural and healthier binder than eggs.

Gluten-free

You can substitute soy or rice flour to make them gluten-free.

Heat extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in a frying pan until it is hot, but not at the smoking point. You can use other vegetable oils, but EVOO is the best heart healthy oil and is the main fat used in Mediterranean diets. EVOO also does not lead to weight gain like other fats. For more about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil see our post from December 9, 2020, Holy and Healing Olive Oil of Chanukah.

Drop the potato patties into the hot oil. Fry until brown and turn with a spatula. 

May you all have a happy and healthy Chanukah!!