By Elisa Spungen Bildner
The Nosher

These beet pancakes are great for using up a variety of other root vegetables. Using a food processor will make quick work of the shredding aspect of the preparation. With a nice browned crust, the latkes are delicious served with applesauce or sour cream and chives, and offer a good alternative to potato latkes during Chanukah.

This recipe is reprinted with permission from The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook by Elisa Spungen Bildner and Rob Bildner, Countryman Press.

¼ cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (about 2 large)

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp. kosher salt, or more to taste

2 cups peeled and shredded red beets (about 11 oz., 2 to 3 medium beets)

1 cup peeled and shredded carrots (about 6 oz., 2 to 3 medium carrots)

1 cup peeled and shredded celery root (about 8 oz., ½ small celery root)

1 cup peeled and shredded Idaho or russet potato (about 12 oz., 1 large potato)

¼ cup rye or whole wheat flour, or more as needed to hold the raw latkes together

1 cup soft goat cheese (about 5 oz.)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp. neutral oil, such as canola, plus more as needed, for frying

Sour cream and chopped chives, or applesauce for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare a plate with layers of paper towels to drain the pancakes.

2. Place the scallions, thyme, salt, beets, carrots, celery root, and potatoes in a large bowl and mix well. Use a paper towel to gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Scatter the flour on top of the shredded vegetables and mix until well incorporated.

3. Combine the cheese and egg in a small bowl. Fold into the vegetable mixture until well coated.

4. Heat the oil in a heavy-​bottomed skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pancakes, use a ¼-​cup measure to scoop the vegetable mixture into the skillet.

Flatten the mixture gently, using the back of the measuring cup or a spatula, making sure the pancakes do not touch each other.

Fry four to five minutes on one side, until browned and crisp, and then flip to fry the other side for the same amount of time, or until browned and crisp. Transfer the latkes to the lined plate to drain.

Repeat until the entire vegetable mixture has been used. If more oil is needed for frying subsequent batches, add as necessary.

5. Serve the beet latkes warm with sour cream and chives or with applesauce as a garnish.

To read the complete December 2020 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.