Butternut Squash Latkes with Rye and Caraway
Butternut squash makes a beautiful and delicious latke, only a few steps removed from the traditional potato pancake. The texture is similar: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The flavor of butternut squash latkes is new enough for interest and usual enough to trigger those sentimental holiday feelings. For Chanukah 2020, I've included a little twist: rye flour instead of white to add some earthiness, and caraway seed to boost the flavor reference to rye.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large Frying Pan
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Butternut Squash Pieces One average squash
- 1 Onion, Yellow Small to medium
- ¼ cup Rye Flour
- 2 Eggs, Beaten
- 1 tsp Salt Divided
- ½ tsp Caraway Seeds
- Oil, Such as Avocado or Peanut Sufficient to put ¾ inch in your pan
- Sour Cream and Applesauce Or your preferred toppings
Instructions
- Peel and seed the squash. Peel the onion. Cut both into pieces that fit into your food processor chute.
- Set up the food processor with the grater attachment. Grate the squash and onion.
- Put the grated vegetables in a colander. Toss with half the salt. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat oven 250°. Prepare a baking sheet with a layer of paper towels.
- Squeeze some liquid out of the vegetables using your hands or a rolled towel. Don't go too crazy with the squeezing, aim for about half the bulk you began with.
- Remove the grater and put the blade in the food processor. Put half or more of the squash/onion mixture back in and process until smooth.
- Combine the grated vegetables, processed vegetables, egg, flour, remaining salt, and caraway seeds in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Heat the oil until a drop of water sizzles. Scoop using a heaping soup spoon, flattening slightly and reshaping in the pan. Do not overcrowd. You will fry the latkes in two or three batches.
- Fry until brown. Flip and brown the other side. May be about five minutes total fry time, depending on the heat and type of oil.
- Remove to the prepared sheet and keep warm in the oven while you fry the other batches.
- Serve with applesauce and sour cream.