Top Hanukkah Recipes to Impress Your Guests
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. Traditional Hanukkah dishes vary from region to region, but some of the most popular include latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and brisket.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will provide you with some top-rated Hanukkah recipes to help you celebrate the holiday in style.
1. Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
Ingredients:
* 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and grated
* 1/2 onion, grated
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup matzo meal
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Place the grated potatoes and onion in a large bowl.
2. Add the eggs, matzo meal, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop the potato mixture by heaping spoonfuls into the hot oil.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with applesauce or sour cream.
2. Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)
Ingredients:
* 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1/2 cup sugar, divided
* 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105-115°F)
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* Vegetable oil for frying
* Raspberry jam or jelly for filling
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, warm milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 20-24 pieces.
8. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
10. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 375°F.
11. Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
12. Drain on paper towels and fill with your favorite jelly or jam.
3. Brisket
Ingredients:
* 4-5 pound beef brisket
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup dry red wine
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the brisket with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
5. Sear the brisket on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Remove the brisket from the pot and set aside.
7. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
8. Stir in the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
10. Return the brisket to the pot, cover, and place in the preheated oven.
11. roast for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is tender and falls apart when pierced with a fork.
12. Let the brisket rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
These are just a few of the many delicious Hanukkah recipes that you can try. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.