8 Hanukkah Recipes to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Holidays
8 Hanukkah Recipes to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

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November 29 2023

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Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights. The annual celebration begins at sundown on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev. 

 

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem after the Syrian-Greek army was defeated. As the story goes, when the ancient Jewish people returned to the temple, they found only enough oil to burn the lights of the temple's menorah for one day. However, the oil miraculously burned for eight days.

 

Traditionally, Hanukkah recipes use oil to honor the oil from the legendary story — which typically means a lot of fried foods are consumed. Other than fried desserts, some popular fried foods include Latkes (potato pancakes) and Sufganiyot (fried jelly-filled donuts).

  1. Sufganiyot (Fried Jelly Donuts)

    Sufganiyot, a Hebrew word, is a traditional fried-jelly donut dessert consumed during the holiday to symbolize the oil in the legendary Hanukkah story.

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  2. Latkes (Potato Veggie Pancakes)

    Potato Pancakes, also known as Latkes, are a popular Hanukkah food. They are well-known symbols of the miraculous oil lasting eight days. In addition to potatoes, this variation is made with savory seasonings, onion and zucchini.

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  3. Applesauce

    Some people top their Latkes with sour cream and some top them with applesauce! Make our homemade Golden Delicious Applesauce for your crispy Latkes.

  4. Easy Mini Fried Pies

    Easy Mini Fried Pies will be a delicious treat for your Hanukkah celebration.

  5. Roasted Carrots

    Roasted vegetables are a popular side dish with braised brisket.

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  6. Challah

    Challah is a traditional Jewish braided bread enjoyed at Shabbat throughout the year.

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  7. Cinnamon Churros

    Cinnamon Churros are fried in oil, crispy and all sorts of sweet. They will be a hit during your Hanukkah celebration!

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  8. Fried Donuts

    You can never have too many sweets on your Hanukkah dessert table. These Fried Donuts will be a family favorite.

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