Before Christmas season begins, it is only fair that Hanukkah season starts now since this year it falls two weeks before Christmas. Hanukkah is to commemorate the Maccabees defeat over the Greeks.
We've all seen the Rugrats retelling, how their oil lasted for eight nights instead of one. While the stories of Hanukkah are great and all, there's nothing better than the traditional foods we eat during this time.
Foods fried in oil to symbolize the Maccabees' oil and cheeses for Judith, a Jewish heroine who aided a military victory with her homemade cheeses, and just all-around yummy and hearty foods. While these foods are a tradition during Hanukkah, you don't necessarily have to celebrate or be Jewish.
1. Matzo Ball Soup
While this isn't exactly a specific Hanukkah dish, who doesn't love matzo ball soup? If you've never had it, it's basically chicken noodle soup, but instead of noodles, it's a big ball of dough. Nothing warms you up better than a big bowl of soup. I personally think that it's a cure-all.
2. Challah
To go with your soup, you need some Challah! It's a sweet, pull-apart bread that is served with Friday Shabbat dinners, but honestly, you can have it whenever. It makes for a good dinner bread to scoop your food up with or dipping, but it also makes great french toast!
3. Latkes
Uh, duh! Latkes are probably the most iconic Hanukkah foods. But if you've been living under a rock, they're thin, crispy, potato pancakes. Think of a hash-brown, but 100x better! Depending on your preference, they can be served with applesauce or sour cream. Or, if you're basic like me, just some salt and ketchup.
4. Cheeses
Cheese anything, really. Cheese plates, cheese and spinach dip, cheese! Who doesn't love cheese?
4. Brisket
There are many ways to cook this meat, whether it be slow-cooked or pot-roast style, but nevertheless, it's delicious. But it'll never be as good as your Bubbie makes it.
5. Jelly Doughnuts
Also known as "Sufganiyot." What is there not to love about deep-fried balls of dough, filled with jam or jelly, and covered in powdered sugar? They're a perfect way to finish off your meal, whether it be for Hanukkah or simply because you're "jelly" (haha, get it?) of your Jewish friends who get to feast on these yummy foods.
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