Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the re-dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it commemorates when the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem from the Greeks in 164 BC.
Hanukkah is a well-known holiday because of its particular customs. From spinning the dreidel and lightening the menorah to eating traditional foods. But what is traditional Hanukkah food? In this article, we will talk about five classic Hanukkah foods you can enjoy during the holiday.
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Latkes – A potato pancake
Latkes are usually served with sour cream or applesauce, and they are a popular Hanukkah food for both children and adults. While latkes are delicious, they also have a religious significance. According to Jewish tradition, eating fried foods during Hanukkah commemorates the oil miracle that lasted eight days. As such, latkes are a reminder of both the joy and the meaning of Hanukkah.
How to make Hanukkah Latkes
-1 pound of potatoes (about two large potatoes)
-1 small onion
-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
-1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- Peel and grate the potatoes. Use a box grater or food processor to grate the potatoes into thin strips.
- Grate the onion. Add the onion to the grated potatoes and mix well.
- Add the flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the potato mixture to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with applesauce or sour cream.
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Sufganiyot – A jelly-filled doughnut
Sufganiyot can be filled with any type of jelly or jam, but they are typically filled with raspberry or strawberry jam. These mouth-watering donuts will bring a touch of sweetness to your Hanukkah celebrations!
How to make Sufganiyot
- First, you will need the following:
-2 packages of active dry yeast
-1/4 cup of warm water
-3/4 cup of sugar
-6 cups of all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon of salt
-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
-2 eggs, lightly beaten
-Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
-Jelly or jam for filling
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix the sugar, flour, salt, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and mix until everything is combined.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes and then let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a small surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently drop the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Once cool, fill the donuts with jelly or jam. Enjoy!
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Sfenj
A sfenj is a fried doughnut-like pastry that is very popular in North Africa. It is made from a simple dough of flour, water, and yeast and can be either sweet or savory.
Sfenj are usually served hot and are often dusted with sugar or dipped in honey. They are traditional breakfast food but can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
While sfenj are commonly found in bakeries, they are also very easy to make at home. You can enjoy this delicious treat anytime with just a few ingredients and a little time.
How to make Sfenj
-2 cups of flour
-1 teaspoon of sugar
-1 package of active dry yeast
-1/2 teaspoon of salt
-3/4 cup of warm water
-Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
- Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the warm water and mix until everything is combined. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently drop the sfenj into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the sfenj from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle with sugar or dip in honey before serving. Enjoy!
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Kugel – a baked pudding
Kugel is often served on Shabbat and holidays and is also a popular side dish for other meals. The word “kugel” comes from the Yiddish word for “sphere,” and the dish is named for its round, puffy shape.
Kugel is usually baked in a circular pan and can be either sweet or savory. Sweet kugel is often made with fruit or jam, while savory kugel is typically flavored with onions and garlic. No matter how it is prepared, kugel is a delicious and comforting food that Jews have enjoyed for generations.
How to make a Kugel
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked noodles, potatoes, cheese, and butter or oil until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving. Enjoy!
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Hanukkah desserts
Chocolate coins
For many people, Hanukkah is a time for family, friends, and festive foods. And what could be more festive than chocolate coins? These tasty treats are a popular Hanukkah dessert, and they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Chocolate coins come in all shapes and sizes. You can find them filled with nuts or caramel, featuring colorful designs, or simply wrapped in shiny foil.
You can usually find the chocolate coins in the kosher section of your local grocery store.
Hanukkah Cookies
Hanukkah cookies are usually shaped into stars, circles, or other holiday symbols. Decorations can also be added to the cookies, such as chocolate gelt (coins) or colored sugars. These sweet treats are a fun and delicious way to end your Hanukkah celebration!
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How to make Hanukkah cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until all of the ingredients are
Final thoughts
We hope this article has helped you understand some of the classic Hanukkah foods that are a part of this memorable holiday.
The Israeli Center Of Judaica wishes you and your family a happy and delicious Hanukkah meal! Hag Sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!)
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