I love a crispy latke as much as the next person. But unlike most, I don’t eat potatoes and so the traditional fried latke is not on the menu for me. That’s why I created this incredible low-carb latke recipe made with butternut squash.
Why Do We Eat Latkes on Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is referred to as the Festival of Lights. During this holiday we celebrate an incident of divine intervention that occurred long ago. The Hanukkah miracle involved a tiny flask of pure olive oil that lasted for 8 days, until new oil could be retrieved. In honor, we fry foods in oil on Hanukkah. The tradition for Ashkenazi Jews is to fry latkes.
What are Latkes?
Traditional latkes are a fried potato pancake, that may contain wheat flour, or gluten. My healthy Butternut Squash Latkes recipe is potato-free and gluten-free making it perfect for those on low-carb and gluten-free diets.
Low-Carb Latkes
Below is my 4-ingredient recipe for Butternut Squash Latkes. I created it in 2002, shortly after I went on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. This diet heals the gut by eliminating certain starchy foods.
This gluten-free latke recipe is one of my all time favorite dishes. Butternut Squash Latkes have a hint of sweetness when they’re fried to a crisp. What could be better?!
Butternut Squash Latkes
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, peeled and grated
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- ¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- grapeseed oil or olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine squash, onion, eggs, and salt
- In a 9 inch skillet heat oil
- Scoop large tablespoonfuls of batter onto skillet
- Fry patties on each side over medium heat until browned and crispy
- Transfer latkes to a paper towel lined plate
- Repeat process with remaining batter
- Serve with applesauce and sour cream or yogurt
Equipment
Gluten-Free Hanukkah Recipes
Every year at Hanukkah I make the boys Homemade Apple Sauce to serve over their latkes. Here’s that recipe and more easy gluten-free Hanukkah recipes for you!
Laura says
I am so excited to see your recipe!!! Thank you, I will be making this!!!
Elana says
You’re welcome Laura!
Nancy says
I can’t wait to try these. Last year I did spaghetti squash latkes made with coconut flour. I have since found that I don’t tolerate coconut flour. I will probably try a batch with your ratio of eggs to squash with both spaghetti squash (pre cooked and well drained) as well as following your posted recipe.
Elana says
Thanks Nancy!
Alice says
Hi there,
Did you use one or two butternut sqaushes to make the recipe?
What can you use instead of the onion?
Thanks!
Elana says
Alice, thanks for your question! The number of squash generally depends on their size. I haven’t made this without onions so not sure what to use instead :-)
Jacqueline Lamb says
We had these last night for Hanukkah along with Elana’s chicken with olives and prunes. The are the easiest, tastiest latkes I’ve ever had. The whole family voted for these in the future – no more potatoes!
Elana says
Jacqueline, thanks for letting me know that these are the easiest, tastiest latkes you’ve ever had :-)
Aili Galasyn says
We shall have them tomorrow.
Elana says
Thanks Aili!
Kara says
I was just told about your site last night! I am so thankful for what you are posting. My 6 year old has hf as and is allergic to dairy and is glutton intolorent. My question is what egg substitute works best with this and some other recipes? I noticed if I use substitute for more than one egg the dishes never turn out right. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks again
Elana says
Kara, I haven’t tried that so not sure. Here’s a link to my Egg-Free Recipes for you:
https://elanaspantry.com/diets/egg-free/
Enjoy!
Elana
Broski says
Do you have to cook the squash before you peel and grate it?
Elana says
Broski, no need to cook the squash prior to peeling and grating it :-)
Kristen says
Excellent recipe! Don’t add salt until after they are cooked as it will leach out water from the squash. Primal/GAPS SCD people try fring in lard. Double delish.
Elana says
Kristen, thanks for letting me know these are excellent!
Shaya says
These were so delicious and easy!! All my guests loved them too. Plus I got quite an arm workout from grating all that squash!
Thank you so much!
Elana says
Shaya, thanks for letting me know these latkes are delicious and easy and that are your guests loved them :-)
Brandi says
do you cook the butternut squash first or shred it raw?
Elana says
Brandi, shred it raw :-)