Latkes, a Hanukkah tradition
Latkes, a Hanukkah tradition

Why are latkes – crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes – associated with the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah? The story of the miracle of the oil is anything but simple, as correspondent Martha Teichner notes. She talks with Jewish food historian and cookbook writer Jayne Cohen, and with Niki Russ Federman, a fourth-generation owner of Russ & Daughters, a New York City institution of Jewish food for 105 years.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate, focusing on the association of latkes with Hanukkah and the miracle of the oil. It features interviews with relevant experts. Minor claims, such as the specific oniony flavor, are not explicitly verified but are generally accepted. The article presents a straightforward account with minimal bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Latkes are crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes associated with Hanukkah.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the claim that latkes are fried potato pancakes.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the association with Hanukkah.
- Verification Source #4: Mentions the use of onion in the recipe.
- The "crispy" and "slightly oniony" descriptors are generally accepted characteristics of latkes, but not explicitly verified by all sources.
- Claim:** The story of the miracle of the oil is associated with latkes.
- Verification Source #3: Directly supports this claim.
- Claim:** Jayne Cohen is a Jewish food historian and cookbook writer.
- This is presented as fact in the article and is not directly contradicted by the provided sources. *Fail to cover*.
- Claim:** Niki Russ Federman is a fourth-generation owner of Russ & Daughters, a New York City institution of Jewish food for 105 years.
- This is presented as fact in the article and is not directly contradicted by the provided sources. *Fail to cover*.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #3: "Why latkes? The simple answer is that they're meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah." This directly supports the link between latkes and the miracle of the oil.
- Verification Source #2: Lists potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour as ingredients, supporting the description of latkes as potato pancakes.
- Verification Source #4: Lists onion as an ingredient.
- The sources generally agree on the basic composition and association of latkes with Hanukkah. There are no significant contradictions.