Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous eight-day celebration in Judaism, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Beyond the lighting of the menorah and spinning the dreidel, food plays a central role in Hanukkah festivities. Many traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days instead of just one. Let’s explore the delicious and symbolic dishes that grace Hanukkah tables.
Latkes: The Iconic Potato Pancakes
Latkes are arguably the most recognizable Hanukkah Typical Food. These crispy fried potato pancakes are a must-have during the holiday. They are made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and matzah meal or flour, then fried until golden brown and delightfully crispy. The frying in oil is a direct tribute to the Hanukkah miracle.
The beauty of latkes lies in their versatility. While classic potato latkes are beloved, variations abound. You can find latkes made with sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even cheese and red pepper. The texture can also vary depending on how finely the potatoes are grated – some prefer a coarser shred for a rustic bite, while others opt for a finer grate for a smoother pancake.
Latkes are not just delicious; they are steeped in history and tradition. They connect Jewish families to their heritage and the story of Hanukkah with every crispy, savory bite.
Applesauce and Sour Cream: The Perfect Latke Partners
No latke platter is complete without the quintessential accompaniments: applesauce and sour cream. These toppings are more than just additions; they are integral to the latke experience. The cool sweetness of applesauce and the tangy richness of sour cream provide a perfect counterpoint to the hot, savory, and crispy latkes.
The debate over which topping is superior – applesauce or sour cream – is a lighthearted tradition in itself. Many people have strong preferences, and it’s common to find both on the table to satisfy everyone’s taste. Whether you are team applesauce, team sour cream, or team both, these toppings enhance the flavor and texture of latkes, making them even more enjoyable. For an extra touch, consider homemade applesauce to elevate your latke experience.
Sufganiyot: Sweet Jelly-Filled Doughnuts
If latkes are the savory star of Hanukkah, sufganiyot are undoubtedly the sweet treat that shines brightly. These jelly-filled doughnuts, fried to perfection and often dusted with powdered sugar, are another oily delight that commemorates the Hanukkah miracle. Known as sufganiyot in Hebrew, they are akin to Moroccan sfinge, further highlighting the global Jewish connection to fried dough during Hanukkah.
Sufganiyot are especially popular in Israel, where bakeries and home kitchens alike produce mountains of these sweet treats leading up to and during Hanukkah. While traditional sufganiyot are filled with strawberry or raspberry jelly, modern variations include fillings like dulce de leche, chocolate cream, or even custard. This Hanukkah typical food offers a delightful sugary counterpoint to the savory dishes of the holiday.
Gelt: Chocolate Coins and Dreidel Fun
Gelt, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, are not just a sweet treat; they are an integral part of the Hanukkah experience, particularly for children. Gelt is used in the traditional dreidel game, a spinning top game that’s a Hanukkah staple.
The dreidel, a four-sided top, is inscribed with Hebrew letters that form an acronym for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there,” referring to the miracle of the oil in Jerusalem. Players use gelt to bet as they spin the dreidel, adding an element of fun and excitement to the holiday.
While store-bought gelt is widely available, some families enjoy the tradition of making homemade gelt, adding a personal touch to this playful Hanukkah custom. Gelt represents not just the sweetness of the holiday but also the joy of games and family time.
Hanukkah Cookies: Festive Shapes and Sweetness
While not as historically traditional as latkes or sufganiyot, Hanukkah cookies have become a beloved part of modern Hanukkah celebrations, especially in Ashkenazi Jewish communities. These cookies are often shaped into festive symbols of Hanukkah, such as dreidels, menorahs, and Stars of David, bringing a visual element of the holiday to the dessert table.
Hanukkah cookies offer a creative outlet for bakers and a delightful treat for everyone. From simple sugar cookies decorated with blue and white icing to more elaborate creations like chocolate-stuffed dreidel cookies, there’s a Hanukkah cookie for every taste and skill level. These cookies add a touch of sweetness and artistry to the Hanukkah food landscape.
Brisket: A Hearty and Flavorful Main Dish
Moving beyond fried foods and sweets, brisket is a popular and substantial main dish often served during Hanukkah. Brisket, a cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender when braised, is a staple in Jewish holiday cuisine, appearing not only at Hanukkah but also at Passover and Rosh Hashanah.
Unlike barbecue brisket, Jewish brisket is typically braised in liquid, such as red wine or even Coca-Cola, along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes. This slow cooking method results in a rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for a festive Hanukkah meal. Brisket provides a hearty and satisfying centerpiece to the holiday feast.
Kugel: A Versatile Noodle or Potato Casserole
Kugel is another versatile and comforting dish frequently found on Hanukkah tables. This casserole can be sweet or savory, offering options to suit different palates and meal preferences. Sweet kugels are often made with egg noodles and include ingredients like cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, creating a rich and custardy dessert or side dish.
Savory kugels often utilize a base of shredded potatoes, making them similar in concept to a potato gratin or even a giant latke. These savory versions can include garlic, onions, and other vegetables, making them a hearty side dish perfect for pairing with brisket or roasted chicken. Kugel’s adaptable nature makes it a welcome addition to any Hanukkah spread.
Rugelach: Delicate Cream Cheese Pastries
Rugelach are delicate, crescent-shaped cookies made from a cream cheese dough, resulting in a light and flaky pastry. These delightful cookies are popular in Jewish cuisine and enjoyed during various holidays and celebrations, including Hanukkah.
Rugelach are incredibly versatile when it comes to fillings. Popular options range from fruity fillings like raspberry and apricot preserves to sweet fillings like chocolate or cinnamon sugar. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, are often added for texture and flavor. Rugelach offer a sophisticated and delicious sweet treat for Hanukkah.
Mandelbrot: Crispy Almond Bread
Mandelbrot, also known as mandel bread, is a twice-baked Jewish cookie similar to Italian biscotti. The name translates to “almond bread,” highlighting the traditional inclusion of almonds in this crunchy treat. Mandelbrot are long, crispy cookies, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea, but enjoyable on their own as well.
These cookies are often studded with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, adding flavor and texture. Mandelbrot provide a satisfyingly crunchy and less intensely sweet dessert option for Hanukkah, perfect for enjoying with a warm beverage.
Challah: Braided Sabbath Bread
Challah, a braided egg bread, is a staple in Jewish cuisine, served on Shabbat and nearly every Jewish holiday. Its presence on the Hanukkah table is a testament to its importance in Jewish culinary tradition. Typically topped with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, challah is a rich and slightly sweet bread, perfect for enjoying with savory Hanukkah dishes.
For Rosh Hashanah, challah takes on a round shape and is often studded with raisins, but for Hanukkah, the traditional braided loaf is most common. Making challah can be a family activity, with kids enjoying the process of rolling and braiding the dough. Challah offers a comforting and traditional bread to accompany the Hanukkah meal.
Roasted Chicken: A Simple and Versatile Main Course
Roasted chicken is a universally loved dish and a popular choice for Jewish holiday meals, including Hanukkah. Simple to prepare yet satisfying, roasted chicken provides a lighter main course option compared to brisket, while still being festive and flavorful.
Roasting a whole chicken allows for versatility – you can use various herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles. Leftover roasted chicken can be used in other dishes, and the bones can be used to make chicken stock, making it a practical and delicious choice. Roasted chicken is a reliable and crowd-pleasing Hanukkah main dish.
Matzo Ball Soup: Comforting “Jewish Penicillin”
Matzo ball soup, often referred to as “Jewish penicillin” for its comforting and restorative qualities, is a beloved dish, especially during colder months and holidays like Hanukkah. This soup features light and fluffy matzo balls (dumplings made from matzah meal) in a flavorful chicken broth.
While homemade matzo balls are a treat, using a boxed mix is a convenient and still delicious option. Adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro to the matzo balls enhances their flavor. Matzo ball soup is a comforting and warming Hanukkah starter or light meal.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and Simple Vegetable Side
Roasted carrots provide a welcome vegetable side dish to balance out the richer and often fried foods of Hanukkah. Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, and they are often further enhanced with a drizzle of something sweet like pomegranate molasses, honey, or maple syrup, which also aids in caramelization.
Roasted carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds color and nutrients to the Hanukkah table. Their sweetness pairs well with savory main courses like brisket or roasted chicken. They offer a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the richer dishes of the holiday.
Olive Oil Cake: Celebrating the Miracle Ingredient
Olive oil cake is a particularly symbolic dessert for Hanukkah, as it directly celebrates the miracle of the oil. Using olive oil as the primary fat in the cake is a delicious and meaningful way to connect the food to the Hanukkah story. Olive oil cake is known for its moist and fluffy texture and its subtle fruity flavor from the olive oil.
Variations abound, including lemon olive oil cake and chocolate olive oil cake, allowing for customization to personal preferences. Olive oil cake is a flavorful and symbolically resonant dessert for Hanukkah, highlighting the central theme of the holiday.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: A Modern Green Addition
Crispy Brussels sprouts, while not traditionally fried, offer a modern and healthy green vegetable option for Hanukkah. Pan-searing or roasting Brussels sprouts can achieve a delightful crispiness and bring out their nutty flavor.
Brussels sprouts provide a welcome dose of greens to the Hanukkah meal, balancing out the richer dishes. Fresh Brussels sprouts are preferred over frozen for the best flavor and texture. Crispy Brussels sprouts are a contemporary and nutritious addition to the Hanukkah food repertoire.
Hanukkah typical food is a delightful blend of tradition, symbolism, and delicious flavors. From the iconic latkes and sufganiyot, representing the miracle of the oil, to hearty dishes like brisket and comforting matzo ball soup, the Hanukkah table is a feast for both the body and the soul. These foods connect families to their history and provide a delicious way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
