Eat: Fill Your Stomach With More Than Just Latkes
Do you and your loved ones have a meaningful, thought-provoking, or off-the-wall Hanukkah tradition that you'd like to encourage others to try? Share it with the world by clicking here!
Latkes are delicious -- there is no doubt about it. But there are many other foods historically associated with Hanukkah, and others that we could connect to Hanukkah in the 21st century. Unfortunately, they often fly under the radar, due to our emphasis on foods of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) origin in American Judaism. Please your palate this Hanukkah by trying out some of these other fantastic options -- and maybe eat some potato latkes as well!
Sephardi doughnuts called Bimuelos. Image Credit: BuildingJewishBridges.org
Bimuelos are a Sephardi kind of fritter, traditionally eaten on Hanukkah. They are historically associated with Anusim, Sephardi Jews who, due to the Spanish Inquisition, were forced to hide their Jewish identities and live as Christians. Try these delicious desserts for yourself with this recipe!
Image Credit: Jewlicious
Sfenj are a Moroccan yeast doughnut, dipped in honey. They take a while to make, but they will be worth the hours you put in! Try out a recipe for sfenj at this link.
Image Credit: Tablet Magazine
Perashki Kartoshkagiy is a Bukharian potato turnover that is popular in Central Asian Hanukkah celebrations. Check out a recipe for how to make them yourself here! Other Bukharian Hanukkah treats to try include chebureki and samsi (similar to samosas). Learn more about Bukharian Hanukkah cuisine by reading this article in Tablet Magazine.
Image Credit: Alessandra Rovati
Want to infuse your Hanukkah with some Italian food? Look no further than the cassola. Make this traditional Italian Hanukkah dessert for yourself with the recipe accessible at this link.
Image Credit: Katherine Romanow
Keftes de Prasas are Sephardic leek patties. Although they are particular popular on Hanukkah due to the fried theme of the holiday, they are also eaten throughout the rest of the year. Give them a taste with this recipe (scroll down from this link to find it)!
Image Credit: Orthodox Union
Potato pancakes aren't the only kind of pancake traditionally associated with Hanukkah -- kibbet yatkeen, popular among Syrian Jews, are pumpkin pancakes. In other words -- all the pumpkin flavors that we know and love from Halloween can come back in December if you make this recipe for yourself!