Sufganiot

Sufganiot

Sufganiot (also spelled sufganiyah) is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The doughnut is deep-fried, filled with jelly or custard, and then topped with powdered sugar.

History

The tradition of eating fried foods on Hanukkah is in commemoration of the miracle associated with the Temple in Jerusalem, where the Jews found only enough pure olive oil to light the menorah for one day, but it lasted for eight. The word sufganiyah comes from the Hebrew word for sponge (sfog), which describes the texture of the doughnut.

Preparation

Sufganiot are traditionally filled with red jelly, but many modern variations exist. Some are filled with custard or chocolate, and others are topped with sprinkles or glaze instead of powdered sugar. The doughnuts are typically deep-fried, filled, and then dusted with powdered sugar.

Cultural significance

In Israel, sufganiot are widely consumed during the weeks leading up to Hanukkah. They are sold in bakeries and supermarkets, and are often given as gifts. The Israel Defense Forces has a tradition of making a giant sufganiyah each year.

See also

• List of doughnut varieties
• List of fried dough foods
• List of Jewish cuisine dishes

External links

• Sufganiot at the Jewish Virtual Library