Harvest Latkes with an Indian Accent

I first started making these inspired potato and root vegetable pancakes, three years ago. I call this harvest latkes as they bring together all things winter. Living in New York, especially in the shadow of New York City, I have found it very easy to get caught up in the Jewish festivities. Well, if food were our guide latkes are one of our very favorites. Latkes, however come to my kitchen courtesy my daughter. She loves to bring and share traditions, both our own and those that she sees around her. In is difficult to resist these crisp, onion garlicky creations. Anymore, than one can resist good pakoras. 

With a generous amount of veggies in each harvest latke, they are actually quite good for you and taste more interesting than the classic variety. It is a great way to use up the offerings of a late fall or winter farmer’s market.

Like with most things, I add an Indian accent to my latkes. Well, turns out this year, it is even trendy to do this, look at this recipe .

As with the applesauce, I have progressively simplified them. This year we were invited by my dear friends Helen and Eric, to join in their celebration. I always marvel how simple and elegant she keeps her meals. Room temperature appetizers, an elegant offering of balanced foods and a luscious fruit salad to balance and end things out. Note to self, “Thou shall be simpler and more organized in your entertaining next year”.

I brought in an offering of these crisp beauties that I call harvest latkes, to my delight they disappeared in less than 20 minutes. The best endorsement for food always lies in the taster’s palate. I had served these with my spiced applesauce,

I also often serve them with a topping of yogurt or sour cream and pomegranates. Actually my favorite way to serve them.

And guess what these work out pretty well in the air-fryer too. A little shorter on the long term crisp factor than classic latkes, but honestly these babies are best served right away. My magic ingredient addition is cornmeal. This ensures crispness while keeping them gluten free.

Every evening has its highlights, and last evening it was my daughter playing the piano. She walked up spontaneously to the piano and began playing a Scot Joplin piece. This drew another musician to the piano, with the evening ending with a couple of duets between Deepta and Richard and finally all of us singing around the piano.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot  and Air Fryer Facebook group .

Pick up a copy of my Instant pot cookbook Instant Indian  here, along with The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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