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Latke Reubens

These Latke Reubens offer a brilliant twist on a classic Jewish favourite, combining the irresistible crunch of a potato pancake with the bold flavours of a traditional deli sandwich. This vegetarian-friendly base can be easily adapted, though here it is paired with savoury pastrami and a vibrant, zesty slaw. The addition of Granny Smith apple and fresh dill provides a bright contrast to the golden, fried potato, making these a sophisticated choice for a weekend brunch or a festive gathering.

Preparing the perfect latke is all about removing as much moisture as possible from the potatoes, ensuring a crisp exterior and a tender middle. Served with a punchy horseradish and soured cream dressing, these bite-sized treats are excellent for sharing. Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah or simply looking for a comforting homemade snack, these loaded potato pancakes are sure to become a new household favourite.

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Ingredients for Latke Reubens

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons light or dark brown sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage (about a quarter of a small head)

  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks

  • 120g thinly sliced red onion (about half small onion)

  • 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  • 3/4 cup soured cream

  • 60ml ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon prepared white horseradish

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

  • 1.6kg baking potatoes, peeled and quartered lengthwise

  • 1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

  • 60g unbleached plain flour

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  • 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

  • Kosher salt

  • Canola oil for frying

  • 230g thinly sliced pastrami, slices cut in half crosswise

  • Chopped fresh dill

In a large bowl, stir together the vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and a generous pinch of pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil until well combined.

Add the cabbage, apple, onion, celery, and dill to the dressing; toss thoroughly to combine. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Let the slaw stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

In a medium bowl, stir together all of the ingredients. Adjust the hot sauce to taste. The dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Set a large strainer over a bowl. In a food processor fitted with the shredding disk, shred the potatoes and onion in batches. Add each batch to the strainer and let stand for 5 minutes, then squeeze dry. Pour off the liquid and rinse the bowl, then add the shredded potato mixture. Stir in the flour, eggs, dill, baking powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Scrape the mixture back into the strainer and set it over the bowl again; let stand for another 5 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, spoon a scant 60ml the potato mixture into the hot oil for each latke, pressing slightly to flatten. Fry over moderate heat, turning once, until the latkes are golden and crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Drain the latkes on a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Season well with salt.

Spread about 1 teaspoon of the dressing on each latke. Top with a folded slice of pastrami and a heaping tablespoon of the slaw. Garnish with dill and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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