Potato pancakes, or latkes, are the most traditional dish that is served during Hanukkah. The texture varies, with some made with coarsely grated potatoes, some finely ground, and some are made with mashed potatoes. Adding ingredients such as herbs and vegetables is quite common, but these Southwestern ingredients are not. Traditional latkes are served with applesauce, but if you want to garnish these, try sour cream or Mexican crema.
This dish is traditionally served during the Christmas season in New Mexico, when a pot simmering at the back of the stove provides a welcoming fare for holiday well-wishers. I can’t remember any holiday party or dinner that I’ve attended that this stew hasn’t been served. At my house this is a staple on Christmas Eve. I always have a pot ready to warm my husband and I up after strolling Old Town and enjoying the luminarias. Similar to, yet different from the “pozole” served in Mexico, this popular dish is served as a soup, a main course, or a vegetable side dish. Posole, the processed corn, is the main ingredient of this dish of the same name. If posole corn is not available, you may substitute hominy–the taste won’t be the same, but it will still be good.
