Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple on Kislev 25 165 BCE. The holiday, also called the ‘Festival of Lights,’ commemorates the miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting eight days and eight nights. You can get into the spirit of Hanukkah with delicious potato latkes and more foods.
Potato latkes are a common Hanukkah food. To make them you’ll need the following ingredients:
3 cups of peeled, shredded potatoes (sweet potatoes can also be used)
2 beaten eggs
¼ cup sliced green onions (you can also shred a regular onion)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Oil for frying
Prepare the potatoes and onions. Then add the remaining ingredients, being sure to combine the ingredients well. Pour oil at least 1/3-inch deep into a skillet. Turn the heat to medium to ensure the oil doesn’t burn.
Spoon two tablespoons of potato mixture into the palm of your hand and flatten it. Place that into the oil and cook for about two minutes on each side or until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Remove each latke from the oil and allow it to drain on paper towels. Potato latkes are often served with applesauce.
Another food you may want to serve during Hanukkah is the Sufganiyot, a fried donut sometimes filled with jelly. The ingredients include:
2 tablespoons dry active yeast
½ cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups vegetable oil
Almond slivers
Combine the yeast, water and 1 teaspoon sugar and allow it to set for about 10 minutes until it turns foamy. In a large bowl, add the flour and create a well in the middle. Add the eggs, yeast mixture, ¼ cup sugar, nutmeg, butter and salt. Stir it to create a sticky dough.
Knead the dough for about 8 minutes. Oil a bowl and place the dough into it, covering it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise until double in size. Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thick and cut out circles using a drinking glass or biscuit cutter. Cover with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional 15 minutes.
Heat the oil until it reaches 370 degrees. Carefully place four circles into the oil and fry them until they’re golden brown, about 40 seconds on each side. Remove each doughnut from the oil and allow it to drain and cool. Roll the doughnut into powdered or sugar. Sprinkle them with almond slivers then enjoy.
There are many foods you can eat during Hanukkah but it is customary to choose foods which are fried. You can also prepare other kosher foods to help you get into the spirit of Hanukkah. Delicious potato latkes and more will get you in the spirit of the holiday and be something your whole family can enjoy.
