When it comes to Hanukkah, every day is a celebration. Established to honor the re-dedication of the Holy Temple after the Jewish military victory over the Greek-Syrians, the eight-day holiday symbolizes Jewish religious freedom and national survival. Hanukkah is a time for families to enjoy traditional food, light the menorah, sing songs and play games of dreidel.
Oil plays a central role in Hanukkah; it is said that a single pitcher of oil was able to miraculously keep the Temple Menorah lit for eight whole days. Therefore, the food traditionally eaten around Hanukah centers around oil and plenty of dough-filled recipes. Here are our top picks for commemorating the beloved Festival of Lights and wowing family and friends during your holiday feast.
Crispy Traditional Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes, also known as latkes, are a must-have during Hanukkah because they are fried in oil and embodies the celebration of the miracle that occurred. This recipe uses our buttery Dutch Yellow Potatoes to produce potato pancakes unlike any other. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and apple sauce.
Creamy and sweet, Dutch Potato soup makes the perfect appetizer for warming up before a Hanukkah meal. This recipe is loaded with plenty of farfel,which is a small pellet-shaped pasta used in traditional Jewish cuisine. Hanukkah comfort food at its finest, we like to say.
Mini Fritters with Dipping Sauces
These delicious treats are deep-fried in oil, symbolizing the oil pitcher that kept the sacred lamp burning in the Holy Temple. Simple to make and served with your choice of dessert sauces, this recipe is our modern twist on sufganiyot, which are traditional jelly-filled donuts.
Organic Spinach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette and Avocado Garnish
While oil-laden recipes are prevalent during Hanukkah, it’s also possible to offer healthier options. An organic spinach salad gets its simple flavor from a homemade basil vinaigrette. Organic Avocados are ripe and plentiful this time of the year so you could also add them to your salad as a tasty garnish.
Sautéed Green Beans and Peppers
A holiday side dish that pairs well with traditional Hanukkah food are classic sautéed and buttered green beans and Veggie Mini Sweet Peppers. This crunchy side dish boasts gorgeous vibrant colors that will look festive on any dinner table.
Many people like to serve their potato pancakes with applesauce. A delicious flavor combination of sweet and salty, potato pancakes with applesauce is a classic Hanukkah pairing. We’ve chosen Organic Ambrosia Apples for their creamy and juicy flesh and sweet and tart flavor for this recipe.
Often served as the main dish in a Hanukkah dinner, beef brisket is about as traditional as you can get. Our sweet and savory brisket seasoned with plenty of salt, pepper and fresh herbs and roasted with organic carrots, organic celery and delicious Maui Onions.
Blintzes are a popular stuffed, fried crepe that can be filled with a variety of items. Our recipe makes for a lovely Hanukkah breakfast or dessert option and is stuffed with ricotta cheese and a homemade blueberry sauce. Dust the crepes with a little powdered sugar before serving to add a little touch of the holidays.
Challah with Organic Dried Blueberries
This beautiful braided Jewish bread is essential to a great Hanukkah meal. Pillow-soft and slightly sweet, challah is simple to make and packed with deliciously tart organic dried blueberries.
Whatever you choose to serve during a Hanukkah celebration, there’s always room for wine at the dinner table. Traditional foods served during the Jewish holiday are often fried fare and topped off with rich, hearty meat dishes. Therefore, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons or rich, buttery Chardonnays help to complement the meal. These are our top 3 picks from our wine selection.
This unique blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot makes for a flavorful experience unlike any other. Known for its bold and decadent flavor, this rich wine features tasting notes of black cherries, sweet spices and toasty oak, making it the perfect wintertime wine. Serve with the main course, such as Beef Brisket.
The 2011 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay has a beautiful crispness to it with wonderful acidity and plenty of lemon zest. The wine’s vibrant aroma and tasting notes of lemon oil, crushed rocks and flowers pairs well with potato pancakes and other vegetable dishes.
If you’re unfamiliar with Paradigm wines, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic at its best. A rich, full-bodied wine with wide open aromas of berry, dark cherry, coffee, plums and spices and lush textures makes a gorgeous accompaniment to your main meat dishes.
Will you be celebrating Hanukkah this year? Which one of these dishes do you like the best? Share with us your favorite foods to eat during this joyous holiday!