Sufganiyah

Sufganiyah

Classic Hanukkah sufganiyot

A sufganiyah (plural: sufganiyot) is a round, filled doughnut traditionally eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The sufganiyah is deep-fried, filled with jelly or custard, and topped with powdered sugar.

History

The tradition of eating fried foods during Hanukkah is linked to the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of oil lasted eight days in the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Sufganiyot have become a popular treat during this festival, symbolizing the oil miracle.

Preparation

Deep-frying sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are made from a sweet, yeast-leavened dough. After the dough rises, it is shaped into balls and deep-fried until golden brown. Once fried, the sufganiyot are filled with various fillings such as strawberry or raspberry jelly, chocolate, or vanilla cream.

Variations

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Chocolate and vanilla cream sufganiyot

While the traditional filling is jelly, modern variations include chocolate, vanilla cream, and other gourmet fillings. Some bakeries offer sufganiyot with unique flavors and toppings, catering to diverse tastes.

Cultural Significance

A Jewish boy enjoying sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are more than just a treat; they are a symbol of the Hanukkah celebration. In Israel, bakeries begin selling sufganiyot weeks before the holiday, and they are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Sufganiyot in Israel

Sufganiyot at Mahane Yehuda market

In Israel, sufganiyot are a staple during Hanukkah. Markets and bakeries, such as those in the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, offer a wide variety of sufganiyot, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Modern Trends

Modern sufganiyot with various toppings

In recent years, the trend of gourmet sufganiyot has grown, with bakeries experimenting with new flavors and toppings. This has led to a wide array of choices, from traditional jelly-filled to exotic and innovative creations.

Related Pages

• Hanukkah
• Jewish cuisine
• Doughnut
• Second Temple