Eating foods fried in oil has been a Hanukkah tradition for centuries, recalling the beautiful light of ancient oil lamps and the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem. Jewish communities around the world have developed their own favorite Hanukkah foods.
On Hanukkah, we can explore the rich mosaic of Jewish life around the globe and celebrate the Jewish value of klal Yisrael, כְּלַל ישְִׂרָאֵל, the Jewish people in all their breadth. As Jews, we’re connected but diverse, especially when it comes to what we put in our bellies! Which of these treats will you try?
Berenjenas con Miel
This eggplant-with-honey dish hails from Spain.
Bimuelos
Bimuelos are dough fritters dipped in syrup and enjoyed by many Sephardic families.
Gulab Jamun
Families from India enjoy these balls of dough fried in coconut oil and dipped in syrup.
Papanasi
These deep-fried doughnuts from Romania are filled with cheese curd and topped with cherry jam and sour cream.
Patacones
Patacones, sometimes called tostones, are fritters made with plantains and are a popular dish in Colombia, Costa Rica, and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Related: Making Tostones for Hanukkah
Precipizi
These small fried balls of dough sweetened with warm honey are a classic Italian Hanukkah dessert.
Sfenj
Sfenj are deep-fried, ring-shaped doughnuts from Morocco.
Zengoula
For many Iraqi Jews, this funnel cake with lemon, honey, and powdered sugar is a special Hanukkah treat.
More
10 Easy (And Kid-Approved) Hanukkah Recipes
Three-Ingredient Hanukkah Recipe: Donut Sticks
PJ Library Around the World
October 1, 2024