During Hanukkah each year, more than 18 million sufganiyot are consumed in Israel and countless more around the world. It's a tradition that celebrates a miracle: after the liberation of the temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt, the Jews only had enough oil to burn the holy light for one night, but miraculously it burned on for eight. It's the reason why Hanukkah lasts for eight days and nights and also the reason why foods prepared in oil, like the famous jelly doughnuts, are consumed throughout the season.
We can't help but admire a religious festival that celebrates fried food and so many other goodies like these...
1. Start with those doughnuts
This sweet Jewish treat is traditionally filled with raspberry jam and dusted with a generous coating of sugar, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The word sufganiyot comes from the Hebrew word for sponge and describes the fluffy, light texture of these doughnuts. Find the recipe here.
Chanie Apfelbaum's take on the sufganiyot adds a thick choc dip to mimic the American candy called jelly rings. A crack of chocolate is so often a welcome addition to a dessert, and this one is no different. Find the recipe here.
Rugelach is another fried Hanukkah favourite that's worth getting hot for. Born in Eastern European, but raised by Jewish caregivers all over all the world. Rugelach are sweet pastries filled with apricot jam and walnuts, but intrinsically so much more than that. Find the recipe here.
4. Kugel, kugel, kugel
Authentic kugel is a cheesy dessert that is most commonly made using egg pasta, but it can also be savoury with a base of rice or potatoes. Dried vine fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, eggs, sugar and spices are added to sweet varieties. All of it is worthy of lots of experimentation. Find the recipe for noodle kugel with cherry sauce here.
5. Serve more killer cheese
One of the reasons kugel is eaten at Hanukkah is to honour Jewish heroine Judith. This plucky widow is said to have saved the besieged town of Bethulia during the sixth century BC by giving spiked cheese to the leader of the enemy to make him drunk. The more celebration-cheese the better, and a kosher version of poutine for Hanukkah seems an excellent place to start. Find the recipe here.
6. A different kind of sweet
It's a bit too easy to let the desserts shine, but at Hanukkah, potato latkes often steal the spotlight. Using sweet potato makes this particular recipe even shinier. Find the recipe here.
7. Make room for brisket
There probably isn't any need to make room for brisket during the festivities. Brisket demands room. Nay, brisket owns the room. Whether you cook a traditional braised brisket, or rock out this hearty Texan version, there's always a place for this succulent, flavoursome cut of beef. Find the recipe here.
8. Bring out the roast
Roast chicken is often served alongside the latkes and brisket, rounding out the meal for larger parties. There are probably as many roasted chicken recipes as there are cooks in the world, but this African version, roasted with a freekeh stuffing, is up there with the best of them. Find the recipe here.
9. Spice up some salmon
For a lighter festive meal, a zesty, lemony whole salmon hits the spot nicely. Chilled for hours before being baked until melting, then served with a spicy onion sauce... this dish is a celebration all on its own. Find the recipe here.
10. But back to the sweet stuff
During the festival, Hanukkah gelt is traditionally given - in the form of money for adults and wrapped chocolate coins for children. What better way to gift the coins than on top of a brownie-like crinkle cookie? Happy Hanukkah indeed! Find the recipe here.
Find out more about Hanukkah traditions here and find more fabulous food to help celebrate it here.
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