In traditional Polish cuisine, latkes – crispy, golden potato pancakes hold a special place in holiday celebrations.
Today, we’re elevating this classic by bringing in smoky, savory fish and tangy sauerkraut for a uniquely Polish Christmas recipe that’s perfect for any holiday meal.
This Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latke recipe merges comforting, traditional flavors with a fresh twist, making it a standout among festive Polish dishes.
The smoky fish adds depth, while sauerkraut brings a bright tanginess that balances beautifully with a creamy, subtly sweet apple sauce dip.
Here’s how to make this crowd-pleaser, from the latkes to the apple sauce dip.
Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them – at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep our content flowing and the site thriving.
Ingredients Required To Make Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes
Choose your sauce DIP Type With Smoked Fish Latkes
Apple Sauce | Garlic Aioli | Sweet Chilli Sauce
For the Latkes
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 cup smoked white fish (like smoked mackerel or trout), flaked and deboned
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional for an herbal touch)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Apple Sauce Dip
- 2 large, juicy apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- One tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (for a richer flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes
Step 1: Preparing the Latkes
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and grate those potatoes! Oh, and let’s not forget the secret to crispy potatoes (squeeze out every last drop of water!).
How do we do that, you ask? Simply wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and wring them out.
This helps achieve that iconic golden crispiness every latke lover adores.
Mix in the Sauerkraut and Smoked Fish
Once the potatoes are ready, toss ’em in a big bowl and then, add the chopped onion, drained sauerkraut, and flaked fish.
Make sure the sauerkraut is super dry, or else the mixture will be too wet to fry.
Season and Bind
Give your mixture a flavor boost with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of dill and don’t forget to bring in the star of the show i.e. the beaten eggs.
You will need to mix it all together (beaten eggs, pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder) until it’s a happy family.
Next up, gradually add the flour, which acts as a binding agent to hold the latkes together followed by mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated (but be careful not to overmix).
Preheat the Oil
Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering.
You’ll need enough oil to shallow fry the latkes, so make sure the bottom of the pan is well-coated.
Form and Fry the Latkes
Carefully drop the mixture into the hot oil! Flatten each latke with a spatula.
And if your next question is how long should you fry each side? Well there is no right or wrong answer for this, however, aim for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
To achieve that perfect golden color, avoid overcrowding the pan and fry in batches.
Drain and Keep Warm
As each golden-brown batch of latkes emerges from the skillet, gently transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
To keep them warm while cooking the rest, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F).
Step 2: Making the Apple Sauce Dip
Cook the Apples
Let’s get this party started! Combine zesty lemon juice, refreshing water, and sweet, diced apples in a small saucepan.
In addition to keeping the apples from browning, the lemon juice balances the sweetness with a little tang.
Season the Sauce
Add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the pan and trust me on this one, these spices will make it feel like the holidays.
Next up, add a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness (Just a touch should do the trick).
Simmer Until Soft
Place a lid on the saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the apples are soft and easily break apart with a gentle press of a fork.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a bit more water if the mixture seems too thick.
Blend Until Smooth
Put the apple mixture in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth for a smooth dip.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use a potato masher to create a rustic, homemade texture. Set the apple sauce aside to cool slightly before serving.
Looking for a ready to eat option? Here’s a better option – an apple sauce that is just as better.
Step 3: Assembly and Serving
To serve, arrange the Smoked Fish and Apple-Sauerkraut Latkes on a festive platter, garnished with fresh dill or chives.
Serve the warm apple sauce dip in a small bowl on the side for a perfect, flavor-packed pairing.
This holiday meal idea is versatile enough to be a main dish or a standout appetizer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes
- Drain Thoroughly: For the crispiest results, ensure that the grated potatoes and sauerkraut are well-drained. Excess moisture can prevent that golden-brown crust essential to great latkes.
- Choose Your Oil Wisely: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors in this Polish Christmas recipe.
- Season Generously: Potatoes and sauerkraut both benefit from ample seasoning. Tasting a small bit of the raw mixture can help you gauge if additional salt or spices are needed before frying.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While the apple sauce dip is classic, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of capers for a gourmet finish.
The Story Behind This Christmas Special Ingredients
Polish recipe is a classic as it uses simple ingredients..
Oh, this reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen i.e.The smell of those potatoes and sauerkraut… pure comfort.
This dish is a game-changer! Who knew potatoes and sauerkraut could be so gourmet?
Smoky fish, like trout or mackerel, plays a big role in Polish holiday meals – especially at Christmas! Symbolizing abundance and good fortune, it’s often prepared to bring luck for the new year.
Sauerkraut, a well-loved staple in Polish kitchens, is cabbage transformed through fermentation, which preserves it beautifully and gives it that unforgettable tang.
To balance the salty and tangy flavors, we add a touch of applesauce with its natural sweetness.
The combination brings out the best of traditional Polish holiday foods, blending them into one warm, harmonious bite.
Why This Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes Recipe Works for the Holidays?
This Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes Recipe is perfect for the holidays because it captures the essence of Polish Christmas traditions, which often feature hearty, comforting meals that bring loved ones together.
These latkes blend the nostalgic tastes of smoked fish, sauerkraut, and apples, creating a dish that feels both classic and innovative.
The crispy texture of the latkes paired with the soft, spiced apple sauce makes it an excellent choice for your Christmas menu.
Additionally, this recipe is great for holiday gatherings since it can be easily prepared in large quantities and made ahead of time.
The latkes reheat wonderfully in the oven, and the apple sauce can be prepared a day or two prior, giving you more time to enjoy the celebrations.
Smoked Fish and Apple Sauerkraut Latkes Pairing Suggestions
These Smoked Fish and Apple-Sauerkraut Latkes pair wonderfully with other traditional holiday foods. Try serving them with:
- Pickled Herring and Rye Bread: A classic Polish appetizer to complement the flavors of the latkes.
- Beetroot Salad with Horseradish: The earthiness of beets and the heat from horseradish add a lovely contrast.
- Warm Mulled Wine or Spiced Cider: The spices in the drink echo the flavors in the apple sauce dip, creating a cozy holiday experience.
Final Thoughts
Creating a unique fusion dish that celebrates Polish Christmas traditions while incorporating innovative flavors is a fantastic way to enhance your holiday spread.
Whether you’re a long-time lover of traditional Polish food or new to the flavors of Poland, these latkes are a festive, delicious way to bring a little taste of Poland to your holiday table.
Enjoy these latkes as a new addition to your holiday traditions as they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family, leaving everyone excited for another round of holiday feasting next year.
