Traditional Hanukkah Foods

There are many delicious foods associated with the celebration of Hanukkah. From traditional Latkes to variations with other vegetables, jelly filled donuts and full dinner menus you can have a different treat for every night of the Hanukkah celebrations.

Potato Latkes:

Also known as potato pancakes, Latkes are a delicious treat and can also be used as a main course.

2 onions

3 medium to large eggs

5 potatoes

One quarter to 3 quarters cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

One quarter teaspoon pepper

Oil for frying, canola oil is usually best

Peel potatoes and place in a container of cold water if you are not ready to use immediately. Peel your onions and quarter them. When you are ready to begin, drain the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into large cubes. Puree the potatoes and onions in a blender or food processor until smooth. Place your blended mixture in a mixing bowl and add already beaten eggs. Add your desired amount of salt and pepper and enough flour to make a thick but creamy mixture.

Fill a large frying pan with about one inch of oil and heat on medium high. Add one quarter cup of your Latke mix into the pan carefully. Use caution to avoid being splattered by hot oil. Flatten the Latke as it cooks so that it will cook thoroughly. Fry on each side until it is golden brown, a few minutes a side. When done remove the Latke from your pan and drain on paper towels. This recipe yields about twenty.

Variations of this can be made with cabbage, cauliflower and other vegetables to make a dinner meal. Cheese Latkes are also another treat.

Cheese Latkes:

3 medium to large eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 cup matzo meal

1 tablespoon sugar

Three quarters of a teaspoon salt

One half of a teaspoon ground cinnamon

Oil for frying

Blend the cottage cheese until it has a smooth creamy texture. Beat the eggs and milk in a bowl. Blend in the cottage cheese. In a separate bowl mix the matzo meal with the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add this to the egg mixture.

Follow the frying instruction given for potato latkes. Cooking time is about the same.

Sufganiot or Hanukkah doughnuts are a fried jelly filled treat. They are best served freshly made and are very popular in Israel. One recipe for these can be found at: http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/r/han_lsufganiot.htm

Popular meat entrees include a brisket in wine sauce and oven roasted chicken. Applesauce is a popular side dish.

Wine sauce for a brisket is simple to make:

One and one half cup of ketchup

One and one half cup of a dry red wine

One and one half cup water

Simply mix all three ingredients well in a bowl and pour over the brisket before roasting. Cover your roast with foil to keep the juices and flavor in.

All recipes are Kosher when made with Kosher ingredients. However, everyone should try some of these treats whether or not they celebrate Hanukkah.

References:

http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/a/han_menu_meat.htm
http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/r/han_latkas_pot.htm