What kind of junk food is commonly eaten during Hanukkah?

From latkes to sufganiyot, we eat fried food on Hanukkah to remember the ancient oil miracle. Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah, Jewish families like mine celebrate by eating latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts).

Are there foods you can't eat during Hanukkah?

"Among other rules, eating certain animals, primarily pigs and shellfish, is forbidden ; meat must be ritually and humanely slaughtered; and dairy and meat aren't to be eaten at the same meal." Fish and plant foods are "neutral" (parve) and can be eaten with either meat or dairy.

Can Jews drink during Hanukkah?

Red wines help bring out the rich juices in the meat and cut through some of the fat. Wine is also a very popular drink used by the Jewish people to commemorate occasions . Jason explains, “We celebrate Hannukah and other holidays with alcohol, particularly wine, because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

Is there a Hanukkah dinner?

Meaty Main Dishes The star dish for many Hanukkah dinner tables is brisket . It's a show-stopping centerpiece that's as classic as it gets, which is why we love it. For something a little different but equally as fitting, we also love a wintery braise filled with semolina dumplings.

What are two fried treats served during Hanukkah?

In America, Hanukkah food typically refers to two things: latkes, Eastern European fried potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts that are favored in Israel and increasingly popular here.

What are the oily potato pancakes eaten during Hanukkah?

Eat – latkes, of course! Crispy, fried, slightly oniony potato pancakes with decadent (that's a euphemism for fattening) toppings. Why latkes? The simple answer is that they're meant to remind Jews of the miracle of the oil associated with Hanukkah .

Do you light Hanukkah candles left right?

Each night, add a new candle before lighting. Now, here's the tricky part: candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but candles are lit from left to right . "Left to right, that's how you light!"

What do you eat first night of Hanukkah?

A perfect Hanukkah meal might start with matzoh ball soup , have a traditional brisket at the center and a stack of potato latkes on the side. If brisket is not your thing, a simple roasted chicken would serve very nicely, too.

Is cheese a Hanukkah food?

We count cheese as a Hanukkah miracle . Did you know that in addition to foods fried in oil, we also eat dairy on Hanukkah to commemorate the bravery of Judith? Her courage—fueled by bravery, salty cheese and wine—led to the Maccabee victory.

What do jelly donuts have to do with Hanukkah?

These deep-fried delicacies have become popular in Israel as a way to symbolize the miracle of the oil lamps that burned one day's supply of oil for eight days in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem .

Why are oily foods eaten during Hanukkah?

Although there was barely enough oil for one day's light, it burned miraculously for eight, giving the soldiers time to rededicate the temple and give it back to the Jewish people. To pay homage to the oil , during Hanukkah, Jews eat fried foods.

Why are latkes eaten at Hanukkah?

These potato pancakes (called latkes) are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah , when the oil of the menorah in the ransacked Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. The symbolism comes in the form of the oil in which latkes are fried.

Why is Hanukkah food important?

Latkes, or pancakes, are a favorite food during Hanukkah. Some people say that because they are fried in oil, latkes are a reminder of the single container of oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem .

Celebrate the Festival of Lights With These 18 Vegan Hanukkah Recipes (2024)

It’s Chanukah time … or Hanukkah … however, you spell it, it is a time for festivities and delicious food! Hanukkah is the holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is a holiday of miracles when a tiny quantity of the oil that should have only lasted one day burned for eight days.

To commemorate this miracle, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts). It’s also a time for family gatherings and dinners filled with delicious foods. Check out 8 Ways to Make Your Hanukkah Miraculously Delicious and 8 Tips for Having a Healthier Hanukkah. Then celebrate the Festival of Lights with these 18 vegan recipes from our Food Monster App that will light up your holiday.

1. Vegan Matzoh Ball Soup

Source:Vegan Matzoh Ball Soup

Holidays, family, and memories – they go together like “chicken” soup and vegan matzo balls. This Vegan Matzoh Ball Soupby Rhea Parsons may not be the same as the traditional version but sometimes it’s good to break from tradition a bit.

2. 5 Vegan Latke Recipes Just in Time for Hanukkah

Source:5 Vegan Latke Recipes

Travel the globe with these 5 Vegan Latke Recipes by Rhea Parsons. There are Italian, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Greek latkes, each with its special dipping sauce. You could have a latke party and wow people with the unexpected. Let’s get started and celebrate Chanukah with these global latkes.

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3. Mushroom Walnut Paté

Source:Mushroom and Walnut Pâté

This ain’t no chopped liver. Liz Mochrie‘sMushroom and Walnut Pâté is rich, creamy, earthy, and surprisingly easy to make! Enjoy it on sandwiches, toast, or as a dip for vegetable crudités – but however you choose to spread it around, this pâté will instantly make your meal more memorable.

4. Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Beignets

Source:Banana Beignets

It is tradition to eat sufganiyot on Hanukkah. Instead of doughnuts, try these Banana Beignets by Rhea Parsons. They are fried dough filled with banana. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and really easy to make. And while you can certainly have them for dessert, they are perfect for breakfast or brunch as well.

5. Vegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup with a Gluten-Free Option

Source:Vegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup

Making vegan matzoh balls is one thing and making them gluten-free is a whole other thing. Jennifer Strohmeyer‘sVegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup can be made either way. Quinoa makes the matzoh balls gluten-free but still fluffy and delicious.

6. Potato and Onion Kugel with Sautéed Apples

Source:Potato and Onion Kugel

Kugel is like a giant latke pie! It’s certainly easier to make and healthier than frying up a bunch of latkes. This Potato and Onion Kugel by Rhea Parsonsis topped with sauteed apples instead of the usual apple sauce, but you can serve it with vegan sour cream as well. Bake this in muffin tins for individual servings.

7. Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast

Source:Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast

This is Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast by Dawn Kriss. Instead of meat, it has tender homemade seitan in a lip-smacking vegetable stew. Plus, the pot roast is made in a slow cooker, so you can just throw everything in, go about your day, and come home to a warm, comforting meal.

8. Sweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion-Apple-White Bean Topping

Source:Sweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion Apple White Bean Topping

Latkes get all fancied up with Betsy DiJulio‘sSweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion Apple White Bean Topping. These are golden, delicious, filling, and festive with bold flavors that make them extra special.

9. Strawberry Cheese Blintzes with Strawberry Basil Compote

Source:Strawberry Cheese Blintzes

Blintzes can be savory or they can be sweet like these Strawberry Cheese Blintzesby Rhea Parsons. The filling is vegan ricotta with a sweet side. It gets a pink tinge from the strawberry cream cheese. Topped with a strawberry basil compote, this is a sweet dish that’s perfect for brunch.

10. Vegan Latkes (Gluten-Free and Baked Variations)

Source:Latkes

You only need one tried-and-true recipe for Latkes. These latkes by Nava Atlas have oatmeal in place of eggs to hold them together. For a gluten-free version, quinoa flakes work splendidly. A bit of grated carrot adds extra color and flavor.

11. Harvest Latkes

Source:Harvest Latkes

Rinku Bhattacharya‘s Harvest Latkes are a crisp and spicy take on traditional potato pancakes. They’re made with potato and rutabaga with a touch of caraway seeds. They’re crispy and delicious.

12. Chocolate Babka

Source: Chocolate Babka

Traditionally speaking, Babka is a spongy, brioche-like yeast cake made mainly in Eastern Europe. Erin McKenna‘sChocolate Babka version is not only vegan and gluten-free but also light and chocolatey. It’s perfect next to a hot cup of coffee or tea.

13. Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

Source:Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

This is not a pale imitation of the beloved traditional French dish and deserves all the respect and admiration that the original dish gets. Renee McKenzie‘sBœuf Bourguignon Végétalien, made with tofu and mushrooms, is rich, hearty, and delicious. Julia Child would be proud!

14. Jewish Bimuelos (Fried ‘Honey’ Puffs) – Regular and Gluten-Free

Source:Jewish Bimuelos

These treats by Rhea Parsons are called Jewish Bimuelos but they’re also called Italian struffoli. Whatever you call them, we call them little puffs of heaven. Fried dough doused in vegan honey and covered with sprinkles, these are pretty and delicious.

15. Vegan and Gluten-Free Potato Blintzes

Source:Potato Blintzes

These Potato Blintzesby Rhea Parsons are made with gluten-free crepes and filled with caramelized onions folded into mashed potatoes. Fry up the blintzes and enjoy them with vegan sour cream for a delicious and comforting treat.

16. Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

Source:Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

These vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach by Rhea Parsonsare tender, crunchy, and delicious. And the chocolate hazelnut filling inside is incredible. The rugelach is so pretty and yummy; they would make a perfect gift for friends and neighbors.

17. Instant Raw Apple Sauce

Source:Raw Apple Sauce

You have to have apple sauce to dip your latkes in. Instead of buying jars, make your own Raw Apple Sauce. This recipe by Alison Murray is fast and easy and you can flavor it any way you want. This one has a pinch of warm cinnamon. Yum!

18. Vanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts

Source:Vanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts

You can’t beat the crunch of super sweet vanilla glaze over a warm fried doughnut, fresh from the frying oil. Abby Thompson‘sVanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts are perfect for celebrating a holiday that’s all about oil and fried noms.

Who doesn’t love a holiday that celebrates fried food? Even if you go the healthier route and bake your latkes and doughnuts, your Hanukkah will still be sweet and delicious.