8 Best Hanukkah Recipes: Hanukkah cooking is all about celebrating the miracle of oil that lasted eight days when it was only supposed to last one. So, it’s no surprise that many of the traditional recipes are fried. But there’s more to Hanukkah food than just oil. From savory to sweet, each dish is packed with flavors that have been passed down through generations.
Why These Recipes?
- Traditional Meets Modern: These recipes respect tradition while embracing modern twists.
- Something for Everyone: From crispy latkes to sweet sufganiyot, there’s a dish to delight everyone at the table.
- Create Memories: Cooking these recipes can be a family affair, creating memories that last beyond the holiday.
1. Classic Potato Latkes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Eggs
- Flour or matzo meal
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
How to Make Them:
Grate the potatoes and onions, mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan, spoon the mixture in, and flatten to form pancakes. Fry until golden on both sides. Serve with applesauce or sour cream.
2. Beef Brisket
Ingredients:
- Beef brisket
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Spices (bay leaves, thyme, pepper)
Slow-Cooked Perfection:
Season the brisket with salt and pepper, brown it on all sides, then slow cook it with onions, garlic, carrots, broth, and tomato paste until tender. This dish is a comforting main that melts in your mouth.
3. Sweet Noodle Kugel
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles
- Cottage cheese
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Raisins
- Cinnamon
- Butter
Baking Magic:
Cook the noodles, then mix with cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, raisins, and cinnamon. Pour into a buttered baking dish, top with dots of butter, and bake until golden brown. It’s comfort food with a sweet twist.
4. Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Eggs
- Butter
- Milk
- Jam for filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Fry Them Up:
Prepare a yeast dough, let it rise, then roll it out and cut into circles. Fill with jam, seal, and fry until golden. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that’s irresistibly fluffy and filled with a burst of jam.
5. Challah Bread
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
- Oil
The Art of Braiding:
Mix ingredients to form a dough, let it rise, then braid into a beautiful loaf. Bake until golden. This bread is not just delicious, it’s a centerpiece on your holiday table.
6. Matzo Ball Soup
Ingredients:
- Matzo meal
- Eggs
- Oil
- Water
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Dill
Comfort in a Bowl:
Mix matzo meal, eggs, oil, and water to form balls. Cook in boiling water, then serve in chicken broth with carrots, celery, and dill. It’s a warm hug on a cold evening.
7. Hanukkah Gelt Cookies
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate coins
Sweet Treats:
Cream butter and sugar, add flour and vanilla to form a dough. Shape into cookies, bake, and press a chocolate coin into each while still warm. These cookies are fun and festive, perfect for gifting.
8. Israeli Salad
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Fresh and Crisp:
Chop the vegetables, toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This refreshing salad balances the richer dishes and adds a burst of color to your holiday table.
Conclusion: Celebrate with Flavor and Flair
These 8 best Hanukkah recipes are more than just food; they’re a celebration of heritage and the joys of the season. Each dish offers something special, from the deep comfort of beef brisket to the sweet surprise of sufganiyot. This Hanukkah, light up your table with these delights and create new memories with every bite.