FOR 8 GUESTS
Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of Judah Maccabee and his soldiers in their victory over the tyrant Antiochus more than 2,000 years ago. After a long, hard-fought battle, the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem to find their temple stripped by looters. They cleaned house, made repairs, and—having found just enough oil to light the menorah for one day—were surprised and blessed with the miracle of eight days of light.
Today the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of a candle on the menorah for each of the eight days, in memory of the miraculous oil. Naturally, part of the tradition is cooking foods in oil, including latkes—the potato pancakes that are loved by young and old. Crisp and delicious, they’re made here with nutritious sweet potato and zucchini in place of white potato and cooked in healthy canola oil. A tender paprika-rubbed roast chicken, a hearty barley pilaf, and a lovely spinach salad with chickpeas all utilize olive oil and bring their own light to this joyful affair.
Baby Spinach, Chickpea, and Feta Salad
Sweet Potato and Zucchini Latkes
Barley Pilaf with Roasted Cauliflower and Herbs
Holiday Game Plan
Up to 1 month before: Cook and freeze barley.
Up to 3 days before: Make mandelbrot.
Up to 2 days before: Make tahini dip; thaw barley and assemble pilaf.
Day of: Prepare veggies; make latkes; roast chicken; assemble salad.