Butternut squash latkes are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional potato latkes. They are a great option for a healthier Hanukkah or anytime you want a tasty snack. Here’s a recipe for healthy butternut squash latkes:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups grated butternut squash (about 1 medium-sized squash)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large organic eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Butternut Squash:
- Peel the butternut squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds.
- Grate the butternut squash using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. You want fine shreds.
- Drain the Squash:
- Place the grated butternut squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze out any excess moisture from the squash. This step is essential to prevent your latkes from becoming too soggy.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated butternut squash, grated onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet generously.
- Form the Latkes:
- Take a heaping tablespoon of the butternut squash mixture and form it into a small patty.
- Carefully place the patty into the hot oil, flattening it with a spatula. You can fry multiple latkes at once, but be sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Fry the Latkes:
- Cook the latkes for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Place the cooked latkes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the butternut squash latkes hot, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or applesauce on top if desired.
These healthy butternut squash latkes are a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic dish. They’re rich in flavor and have a lovely balance of sweet and savory notes. Enjoy!