Celery Root–Mushroom Latkes

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 45 min
  • Active: 40 min
  • Yield: 12 latkes
Celery root, mushrooms, garlic and thyme add a twist to this Hanukkah favorite. The option to use matzo meal rather than flour means they can also be served at Passover.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Whisk the sour cream with the chives, vinegar and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Grate the potato, celery root and onion on the large holes of a box grater into a colander set over a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, toss well and let stand 5 minutes. Squeeze handfuls of the mixture firmly with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. Blot dry with paper towels, then transfer to a large bowl. 
  3. Add the beaten egg, matzo meal or flour, mushrooms, thyme and garlic to the potato mixture and toss well to combine. Scoop 1/4 cupfuls of the mixture and tightly pack into thin 3- to 4-inch pancakes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined baking sheet. 
  4. Preheat the oven to 250˚. Heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil or chicken fat in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in three batches, fry the latkes until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side, reducing the heat as needed if the latkes are browning too quickly. Remove to a rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and more thyme. Keep warm in the oven while you make the remaining latkes. Serve with the chive sour cream.