Deciding on what to serve with latkes can turn a simple meal into something truly special. Latkes, those beloved crispy potato pancakes, hold a special place in many homes (and hearts), especially during the Hanukkah celebrations.
In this article, we'll share some great food pairings to go with Latkes that will complete your meal and delight everyone at the table, whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light. Let's dive in and find the perfect match for your latkes.
Serve Latkes with Borscht
Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup known for its unique red color from beetroot. It's a flexible dish that can suit different tastes, including meat-based versions, vegetarian options, and even cold variations for warmer seasons. The classic borscht recipe includes ingredients like red beets, cabbage, celery, carrots, potatoes, onions, and a mix of allspice and bay leaf to make its earthy flavors.
When considering what to serve with latkes, borscht is a hearty and comforting option. Latkes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, pair wonderfully with the soup's mouthwatering taste. Let's explore the types of borscht that make an excellent side dish for latkes.
Meat borscht
For a hearty side dish, Meat Borscht stands out. It combines beef with vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered in a rich meat broth. The soup's deep red hue from beets, alongside its earthy and sweet undertones, makes it a perfect match to the savory latkes.
Vegetarian borscht
For what to serve with latkes, Vegetarian Borscht takes center stage if you’re opting for a vegetarian alternative. This version highlights the natural flavors of its ingredients: beets, potatoes, and carrots. The soup maintains its classic, vibrant red color thanks to the beets and the tangy taste of traditional borscht. As a lighter soup, it serves as a nutritious and appealing side dish, matching well with the crisp texture of latkes.
Cold Borscht
Cold borscht, available during the summer months, offers a unique and refreshing option, particularly suitable for hot weather or to freshen the palate. It is often served chilled and can include ingredients like cucumbers, radishes, and fresh herbs, in addition to the classic beets.
The coolness of the soup provides a pleasant contrast with the warmth of latkes. The combination of different temperatures and textures between the cold soup and the hot, crispy latkes creates an enjoyable eating experience.
Serve Latkes with Pierogi
Pairing latkes with pierogi brings together two cherished dishes from Eastern European cuisine, creating a meal that's both comforting and rich in tradition. Latkes, known for their crispy texture, and pierogi, with their diverse fillings, provide a variety of flavors and experiences that can suit any occasion.
- Potato Pierogi: These are a timeless favorite, filled with smooth, mashed potatoes that may also include savory cheese or onions. They're known for their comforting taste and can evoke a sense of home with each bite.
- Buffalo Chicken Pierogi: The Buffalo chicken pierogi combines traditional Eastern European dumplings with the flavors of Buffalo chicken to create a unique and flavorful dish. Perfect for lovers who appreciate a mix of spicy, tangy, and savory notes in their food.
- Short Rib Pierogi: You'll find beef short ribs that have been cooked slowly until they're tender, then seasoned with herbs and spices. Its rich and meaty filling can make your meal with latkes feel extra special and hearty.
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Pierogi: Perfect for breakfast or brunch (but delicious at any time), this pierogi combines the classic flavors of bacon, eggs, and cheese. It's a creative take that turns a traditional breakfast into a delicious, anytime meal.
Whether you like traditional tastes or something more modern, there's a pierogi out there that's sure to make your meal with latkes memorable.
Serve Latkes with Chicken Paprikash
For those wondering what main dish to serve with latkes, Chicken Paprikash shines the brightest. It's a traditional Hungarian dish that perfectly matches the crispy texture of latkes. chicken paprikash, with its tender pieces of boneless chicken cooked in a creamy paprika herb-cream sauce, makes this dish one of the most popular foods in the world.
Serving chicken paprikash with latkes introduces a delightful contrast in flavors, fills the stomach, and warms the soul, making it ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in.
Serve Latkes with Veal Goulash
Veal Goulash, a dish with its roots in Hungary, is a beloved staple across Central Europe. It's a hearty stew known for its deep flavors and rich history. Veselka's version brings a twist to this classic dish, featuring veal that's been slowly braised in a sauce rich with herbs and cream and a blend of spices. The deep, savory flavors of the goulash pair well with the crispiness of latkes, creating a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
Serve Latkes with Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff, a culinary classic that serves up slices of tender beef in a mushroom cream sauce, with a touch of onions and sour cream for a silky finish. The creamy sauce of the beef stroganoff alongside the crispy latkes makes for a perfect pairing that's hard to resist.
Serve Latkes with Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup, made from a whole chicken to enrich its broth, combines tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables for a lighter pairing with latkes. This mix offers a comforting meal, with the soup's warmth and the latkes' crunch creating a harmonious balance. Each spoonful of the flavorful broth, combined with a bite of crispy latke, brings warmth and comfort, perfect for colder days or a meal that feels like home.
Serve Latkes with Matzoh Ball Soup
Matzoh Ball Soup is a Jewish soup that is made with chicken broth, matzoh balls, carrots, parsley, and dill. Matzoh balls are dumplings made from matzoh meal, eggs,, and water. As these dumplings simmer in the soup, they absorb the broth's savory flavors.
Matzoh ball soup offers a traditional meal and is praised for its health benefits. You can serve them with latkes for holidays or any day that calls for a warm, soothing dish.
Serve Latkes with Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom Gravy is a rich and savory option that pairs wonderfully with latkes.
Pouring mushroom gravy sauce over crispy latkes transforms them into a hearty dish that can serve as the main course. Such pairing is especially great for those looking for another vegetarian option.
Serve Latkes with Alcoholic Beverages
Pairing latkes with alcoholic beverages can enhance the taste, adding a festive or sophisticated touch that depends on the chosen toppings or the drink itself.
- Wine: For latkes served with sour cream or lighter toppings, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc can offer a refreshing balance. If your latkes are topped with richer ingredients like smoked salmon, consider a light to medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, which has enough presence to complement the dish without overwhelming it.
- Beer: A variety of beers can also pair well with latkes. A Pilsner offers a clean, crisp finish that can cleanse the palate, while a slightly hoppy IPA can stand up to the robust flavors of any hearty toppings.
- Cocktails: For a more celebratory or sophisticated pairing, cocktails can be a wonderful choice. A City Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, with its savory notes, can mirror the spices in the latkes, while a citrus-forward cocktail like a gin and tonic or a margarita can offer a bright contrast to the dish's richness.
Serve Latkes with Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those preferring non-alcoholic options or looking for family-friendly choices, there are plenty of delicious beverages to serve with latkes:
- Fruit juices: Apple, cranberry, or orange juice can provide a sweet contrast to the savory latkes. For a less sweet option, consider tomato juice, which can complement the dish's flavors, especially if serving latkes as part of a brunch.
- Sodas and sparkling waters: Fountain soda or sparkling waters with a touch of lemon, lime, or even cucumber can add a refreshing element to the meal without overwhelming the primary flavors of the latkes.
The Final Word on Pairing Latkes
Latkes, those delightful Potato Pancakes, open up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether your preference leans towards the comfort of soups, the richness of stews, flavorful sauces, or refreshing beverages, the journey of discovering what to serve with latkes is endless and exciting.
Taste the perfect match for your latkes and more by visiting Veselka today. If you're in the mood for something traditional or looking to try something new, Veselka - a beloved Ukrainian restaurant, promises an unforgettable dining journey.
