Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight-day holiday that celebrates Jewish culture and religion. It is a time of the year when family and friends gather together to exchange gifts, recount memories and enjoy traditional Hanukkah food. Hanukkah starts on Sunday, November 28th and ends on Monday, December 6th, this year. Below is a list of the most loved and traditional recipes to try out this Hanukkah.

Also read: Know all about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights

Brisket 

Brisket is a traditional Jewish dish that is enjoyed during many holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover.  The dish is usually prepared in a Dutch oven or roasting pan and includes a combination of flavor-enhancing seasonings. Here are some recipe ideas for your Hanukkah brisket:

  1. Add an extra bit of heartiness to your Hanukkah briskets with potatoes and carrots
  2. Use a wide range of spices and herbs which include pepper, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper and parsley
  3. To add a touch of sweetness, stir in prunes and apricots
  4. Give your brisket a modern touch by adding barbeque sauces and gravies

Enjoy your irresistibly juicy and flavorful Hanukkah brisket!

Latkes 

Latkes are a quintessential traditional Hanukkah food and are made from mashed potatoes. Also known as potato pancakes, the dish has plenty of room for creativity.

  1. Make your dish sweeter by adding shredded coconut and dried fruits 
  2. Add sweet potatoes to your dish instead of regular potatoes 
  3. Make your dish a little unexpected by adding spices such as curry and ginger
  4. Incorporate savory ingredients such as pesto, scallions and parsnips 

Kugel 

Kugel, generally served as a side dish is a Jewish egg noodle casserole. The dish can be transformed from sweet to savory by swapping sugar with vegetables and spices. Try adding these spices to add a unique taste to your Kugel: 

1. Ceylon and cassia cinnamon 

2. Apples and honey 

3. Dried raisins and pineapples

4.  Cornflakes 

Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot is derived from the Greek word sufan, meaning “fried.” The dish is a deep-fried yeast dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and filled with jam. It is considered to be one of the most essential and traditional Hanukkah foods. Here is how you can make your Sufganiyot a bit more unique this year: 

  1. Make the donuts vegan or gluten free to meet your dietary goals
  2.  Experiment with the fillings of your Sufganiyot by adding raspberry jam, blueberry jam and chocolate custard. 

Hanukkah Gelt

The last dish on the menu is the Hanukkah Gelt. The dish generally takes the form of a chocolate coin covered in gold foil. The Gelt is reserved to be given as prizes or gifts during games and family gatherings. Here is how you can bring a little twist to your Hanukkah this year: 

1. Change the flavor of your Hanukkah to dark or white chocolate this year

2.  Give a unique shape of  Star of David or a menorah to your chocolate 

Also read: Singer Smokey Robinson makes Hanukkah memorable for a fan’s mother

Now you are all set for a delicious, memorable and unique Hanukkah for the year!