Vegan Latke Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy to Make

Latkes are a beloved traditional dish, especially popular during Hanukkah, known for their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside. But if you’re following a vegan lifestyle or simply want to try a plant-based twist on this classic, you’re in for a treat!

This vegan latke recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create crispy, golden potato pancakes without any eggs or dairy. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, these latkes are an excellent comfort food that everyone can enjoy, whether vegan or not.

We’ll walk you through the entire process, from grating the potatoes to frying up these delicious morsels. Plus, I’ll share my top tips for achieving that perfect crunch and some creative variations to keep things exciting.

Ready to dive in and make some vegan latkes that will impress your family and friends? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan latke recipe brings all the crispy, savory goodness of traditional latkes without the use of eggs or dairy. Using simple plant-based binders like flaxseed meal and chickpea flour, these latkes hold together beautifully while delivering incredible texture.

Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to eggs, or just looking for a lighter alternative to the classic recipe, these latkes are a fantastic option.

They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy dinners, or even as a snack. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious plant-based recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet complement to your meal!

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and grated
• 1 medium yellow onion, grated
• 3 tablespoons chickpea flour (also known as gram flour or besan)
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
• Vegetable oil for frying (such as canola, sunflower, or avocado oil)

Equipment

• Box grater or food processor with a grating attachment
• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for squeezing excess moisture
• Skillet or frying pan (preferably cast iron or non-stick)
• Spatula for flipping latkes
• Plate lined with paper towels for draining excess oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with water. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This mixture will act as an egg substitute to bind your latkes.
2. Grate the potatoes and onion: Using a box grater or food processor, grate the peeled potatoes and the onion. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Remove excess moisture: Wrap the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy latkes!
4. Combine ingredients: Add the flax egg, chickpea flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the grated potato and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Heat the oil: Pour about ¼ inch of vegetable oil into your skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. To test, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
6. Form the latkes: Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape into a patty. Place it carefully into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
7. Fry until golden and crisp: Cook each latke for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until deep golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip carefully.
8. Drain the latkes: Remove the cooked latkes and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
9. Serve warm: Enjoy your vegan latkes immediately with your favorite toppings (see Serving Suggestions below) or keep them warm in a low oven.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly crispy latkes, removing excess moisture from the potatoes is the single most important step!”

• Use russet potatoes for the best texture. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold may not crisp up as well.
• Experiment with binders: If you don’t have chickpea flour, try using oat flour or ground flaxseed instead, but chickpea flour gives the best binding.
• Add fresh herbs: Mix chopped parsley, dill, or chives into the batter for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Sweet Potato Variation: Substitute half or all of the potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a sweeter, colorful twist.
• Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter version, place latkes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cumin for a little heat and extra depth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan latkes pair beautifully with a variety of toppings and side dishes. Try serving them with:

Applesauce: The classic sweet accompaniment adds a lovely contrast to the savory latkes.

Vegan sour cream: Creamy and tangy, it complements the crispy texture perfectly. Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle parsley, chives, or dill for freshness.

Avocado slices or guacamole: For a creamy, nutritious topping. Pickled vegetables: Adds a tangy crunch and brightness.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Looking for more delicious plant-based recipes to pair with your latkes?

Check out Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for warming, wholesome options.

Conclusion

Making vegan latkes is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish with a compassionate, plant-based twist. This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create latkes that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these tasty potato pancakes that everyone will love.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving comfort food, these vegan latkes are sure to satisfy. Remember to experiment with herbs, spices, and serving styles to make the recipe uniquely yours.

For more inspiring vegan recipes, be sure to visit Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and keep your plant-based menu exciting and delicious!

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