עברית
Halachot and Customs
What is the blessing for potato latkes?
Question
What blessing is recited on potato latkes? Most of it is potato? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
If flour was added to the latkes to enhance the flavor or to make them more filling - even if most of it is potato - one should recite the blessing of mezonot (as explained in the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 168:2 and in the Mishna Berura there).
However, if flour was added only to bind the latkes and there are significant chunks of potato - one should recite the blessing of ha'adamah. If there are no significant chunks - one should recite the blessing of shehakol (as explained there and in the Rema, Orach Chaim 208:7. Also see what is discussed in this context in the Teshuvot Ve'Hanhagot, part 3, section 75, and in the Avnei Yashfei, part 1, section 44, paragraph 1).
According to the custom of Sephardim, even if there are no significant chunks - one should recite the blessing of ha'adamah (as stated in the Shulchan Aruch there. See also further elaboration in the Yabia Omer, part 7, Orach Chaim 29).
Blessings,
Hillel Meirs
