Why Are Latkes Eaten at Hanukkah?

Latkes are almost as associated with Hanukkah as the symbolic Menorah. The little potato pancakes, fried in oil and dipped in apple sauce or sour cream, are offered each year during the eight-night Hanukkah celebration and the menorah lighting. But how did the iconic crispy latke find its way into Hanukkah celebrations?

It’s All About The Oil.

Well, it all comes down to oil. Latkes, like other traditional Hanukkah meals, are fried in oil. The Jewish festival celebrates the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels who defeated Greek and Syrian troops attempting to impose their religion on the Jewish people in 164 BCE.

This oil is crucial to the celebration. When the Maccabees reclaimed one of their temples, they discovered only enough oil for the ritual lamps to last one day. However, according to the account, the oil kept the candles burning for eight days longer than intended, allowing additional, refined oil to reach them.

The word Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ in Hebrew and refers to the Maccabees’ efforts to rededicate their shrine after recovering it. The miracle of the oil lasting eight days is an important part of the story.

Oil has played an essential role in the eight-day-long Jewish celebration, particularly in the meals offered during Hanukkah.

What About Potatoes? How Did They Find Their Way In?

Although latkes, or fried potato pancakes, are associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah today, they were not always present. In truth, potatoes did not exist outside of the Americas when the first Hanukkah occurred. So, how did latkes become an integral part of the eight-night event?

The answer begins with the story of Judith and Holofernes. According to PBS, the story depicts Judith’s hometown of Bethulia being conquered by an Assyrian army led by Holofernes.

To regain control of her hometown, Judith devised a scheme to resist his efforts. She arrived in Holofernes’ tent, beautifully clothed, with a platter of salty cheese and a jug of wine. She plied him with salty cheese; he became thirsty and drank wine.

She pushed him to eat more, which led to further drinking until he fell asleep. According to legend, Judith severed his head, placed it on a staff, and gave it to the awaiting soldiers, who grew terrified and fled, saving the Jews.

In remembrance of this story of resistance and dedication, many Jews started frying cheese in oil as part of their Hanukkah rituals. This would make cheese pancakes the “original” latke. Cassola, a cheese-based pancake, originated in Italy in the fifteenth century. These ricotta-based cakes were made in honor of Judith.

Potato latkes were not introduced in Europe until the late 18th century. They became popular after a series of agricultural failures and terrible famines that made the hardy potato widely available.

Since then, potato latkes have been a staple in many Jewish households during Hanukkah, when the oil-rich delicacy represents the miracle of long-lasting oil in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Tips To Make A Perfect Batch Of Latke

Traditional latkes are potato-based pancakes made with salt, onions, eggs, and the chef’s choice of seasonings. 

They’re cooked in inches of oil—or occasionally even straight-up animal fat—until golden and crisp, and it feels like beads of grease are leaking from the pores. They are a joy and by far a favorite holiday-specific treat for many people.

If you want to prepare them, here are tips to help you prepare a great batch.

Tip 1: Grate the potatoes in a Cuisinart to speed up the process.

Tip 2: After shredding your potatoes, press them. A cheesecloth is excellent for this. Simply squeeze the life out of the potatoes to remove all extra moisture.

Tip 3: Adding a sprinkle of flour and an egg should help the latkes remain together during frying. A little chopped onion, salt, and pepper will keep it basic but tasty.

Tip 4: Vegetable oil works best for frying and keeps the latkes thin.

You can always prepare the latkes at home, but if you don’t have the time or you don’t trust your skills, you can always buy already-made latkes, such as Manischewitz frozen latkes.

For nearly a century, Manischewitz has been at the forefront of kosher culinary innovation and is known for its top-of-the-line kosher food products.

These ready-to-bake potato latkes are quick and easy to prepare. For a great experience, serve your crispy creations with a topping of sour cream, apple sauce, apple butter, or honey.

Hanukkah Beyond Latkes

Although they are the most popular treats for the season, latkes are not the sole Hanukkah delight. Other fried dishes, such as sufganiyot, are also served on Hanukkah. Sufganiyot are fried doughnuts filled with custard or jelly.

Sufganiyot, like latkes, are cooked in oil, making them an ideal Hanukkah snack. However, unlike latkes, sufganiyah was not offered during the earliest Hanukkah celebrations. The treat’s origins can be traced back to comparable Moroccan or Algerian delicacies, with the jelly filling presumably introduced in Europe, where it gained popularity.

You should note that not all Hanukkah delicacies are fried. The most iconic of these non-fried delights is Hanukkah gelt, which consists of chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. This centuries-old tradition typically involves giving chocolate gelt to children as a supplement or replacement for monetary gifts during the holiday.

Parting Shot

These are only a few of the meals served throughout Hanukkah. 

Many families and regions have their own unique Hanukkah rituals that involve a variety of dishes.

Even if you don’t celebrate Hanukkah, learning about its rich history and traditions can lead to remarkable discoveries that help you understand the celebration even better.

If you celebrate the festival of lights, you can prepare your latkes by following the tips given above or ordering already prepared latkes. When ordering, always take your time and ensure that you order from a reputable store with a proven record.

Before you order your Hanukkah food, always do background checks and confirm that the company you are looking to order from has a history of delivering high-quality latkes and other Hanukkah-related delicacies.