Celebrate the Festival of Lights With These 18 Vegan Hanukkah Recipes (2024)

It’s Chanukah time … or Hanukkah … however, you spell it, it is a time for festivities and delicious food! Hanukkah is the holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is a holiday of miracles when a tiny quantity of the oil that should have only lasted one day burned for eight days.

To commemorate this miracle, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts). It’s also a time for family gatherings and dinners filled with delicious foods. Check out 8 Ways to Make Your Hanukkah Miraculously Delicious and 8 Tips for Having a Healthier Hanukkah. Then celebrate the Festival of Lights with these 18 vegan recipes from our Food Monster App that will light up your holiday.

1. Vegan Matzoh Ball Soup

Source:Vegan Matzoh Ball Soup

Holidays, family, and memories – they go together like “chicken” soup and vegan matzo balls. This Vegan Matzoh Ball Soupby Rhea Parsons may not be the same as the traditional version but sometimes it’s good to break from tradition a bit.

2. 5 Vegan Latke Recipes Just in Time for Hanukkah

Source:5 Vegan Latke Recipes

Travel the globe with these 5 Vegan Latke Recipes by Rhea Parsons. There are Italian, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Greek latkes, each with its special dipping sauce. You could have a latke party and wow people with the unexpected. Let’s get started and celebrate Chanukah with these global latkes.

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content.Click here to Support Us

3. Mushroom Walnut Paté

Source:Mushroom and Walnut Pâté

This ain’t no chopped liver. Liz Mochrie‘sMushroom and Walnut Pâté is rich, creamy, earthy, and surprisingly easy to make! Enjoy it on sandwiches, toast, or as a dip for vegetable crudités – but however you choose to spread it around, this pâté will instantly make your meal more memorable.

4. Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Beignets

Source:Banana Beignets

It is tradition to eat sufganiyot on Hanukkah. Instead of doughnuts, try these Banana Beignets by Rhea Parsons. They are fried dough filled with banana. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and really easy to make. And while you can certainly have them for dessert, they are perfect for breakfast or brunch as well.

5. Vegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup with a Gluten-Free Option

Source:Vegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup

Making vegan matzoh balls is one thing and making them gluten-free is a whole other thing. Jennifer Strohmeyer‘sVegan Matzoh Ball Vegetable Soup can be made either way. Quinoa makes the matzoh balls gluten-free but still fluffy and delicious.

6. Potato and Onion Kugel with Sautéed Apples

Source:Potato and Onion Kugel

Kugel is like a giant latke pie! It’s certainly easier to make and healthier than frying up a bunch of latkes. This Potato and Onion Kugel by Rhea Parsonsis topped with sauteed apples instead of the usual apple sauce, but you can serve it with vegan sour cream as well. Bake this in muffin tins for individual servings.

7. Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast

Source:Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast

This is Not Your Mama’s Seitan Pot Roast by Dawn Kriss. Instead of meat, it has tender homemade seitan in a lip-smacking vegetable stew. Plus, the pot roast is made in a slow cooker, so you can just throw everything in, go about your day, and come home to a warm, comforting meal.

8. Sweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion-Apple-White Bean Topping

Source:Sweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion Apple White Bean Topping

Latkes get all fancied up with Betsy DiJulio‘sSweet Potato Latkes with Chutney Sour Cream and Curried Onion Apple White Bean Topping. These are golden, delicious, filling, and festive with bold flavors that make them extra special.

9. Strawberry Cheese Blintzes with Strawberry Basil Compote

Source:Strawberry Cheese Blintzes

Blintzes can be savory or they can be sweet like these Strawberry Cheese Blintzesby Rhea Parsons. The filling is vegan ricotta with a sweet side. It gets a pink tinge from the strawberry cream cheese. Topped with a strawberry basil compote, this is a sweet dish that’s perfect for brunch.

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content.Click here to Support Us

10. Vegan Latkes (Gluten-Free and Baked Variations)

Source:Latkes

You only need one tried-and-true recipe for Latkes. These latkes by Nava Atlas have oatmeal in place of eggs to hold them together. For a gluten-free version, quinoa flakes work splendidly. A bit of grated carrot adds extra color and flavor.

11. Harvest Latkes

Source:Harvest Latkes

Rinku Bhattacharya‘s Harvest Latkes are a crisp and spicy take on traditional potato pancakes. They’re made with potato and rutabaga with a touch of caraway seeds. They’re crispy and delicious.

12. Chocolate Babka

Source: Chocolate Babka

Traditionally speaking, Babka is a spongy, brioche-like yeast cake made mainly in Eastern Europe. Erin McKenna‘sChocolate Babka version is not only vegan and gluten-free but also light and chocolatey. It’s perfect next to a hot cup of coffee or tea.

13. Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

Source:Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

This is not a pale imitation of the beloved traditional French dish and deserves all the respect and admiration that the original dish gets. Renee McKenzie‘sBœuf Bourguignon Végétalien, made with tofu and mushrooms, is rich, hearty, and delicious. Julia Child would be proud!

14. Jewish Bimuelos (Fried ‘Honey’ Puffs) – Regular and Gluten-Free

Source:Jewish Bimuelos

These treats by Rhea Parsons are called Jewish Bimuelos but they’re also called Italian struffoli. Whatever you call them, we call them little puffs of heaven. Fried dough doused in vegan honey and covered with sprinkles, these are pretty and delicious.

15. Vegan and Gluten-Free Potato Blintzes

Source:Potato Blintzes

These Potato Blintzesby Rhea Parsons are made with gluten-free crepes and filled with caramelized onions folded into mashed potatoes. Fry up the blintzes and enjoy them with vegan sour cream for a delicious and comforting treat.

16. Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

Source:Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach

These vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach by Rhea Parsonsare tender, crunchy, and delicious. And the chocolate hazelnut filling inside is incredible. The rugelach is so pretty and yummy; they would make a perfect gift for friends and neighbors.

17. Instant Raw Apple Sauce

Source:Raw Apple Sauce

You have to have apple sauce to dip your latkes in. Instead of buying jars, make your own Raw Apple Sauce. This recipe by Alison Murray is fast and easy and you can flavor it any way you want. This one has a pinch of warm cinnamon. Yum!

18. Vanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts

Source:Vanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts

You can’t beat the crunch of super sweet vanilla glaze over a warm fried doughnut, fresh from the frying oil. Abby Thompson‘sVanilla Glazed Vegan Yeast Doughnuts are perfect for celebrating a holiday that’s all about oil and fried noms.

Who doesn’t love a holiday that celebrates fried food? Even if you go the healthier route and bake your latkes and doughnuts, your Hanukkah will still be sweet and delicious.

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content.Click here to Support Us

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

  • Eat Less Meat:DownloadFood Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of ourfavorite vegan cookbooks.
  • Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint:Take the initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands likeTiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
  • Support Independent Media:Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please considersupporting usby donating!
  • Sign a Petition:Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list ofmust-sign petitionsto help people, animals, and the planet.
  • Stay Informed:Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing toour newsletter!
  • Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote wise, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!
Celebrate the Festival of Lights With These 18 Vegan Hanukkah Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a good Hanukkah menu? ›

A Traditional Menu for Hanukkah
  • 01 of 12. Potato Latkes I. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 12. Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce. View Recipe. ...
  • 03 of 12. Applesauce. ...
  • 04 of 12. Most Amazing Challah. ...
  • 05 of 12. Wine-Braised Beef Brisket. ...
  • 06 of 12. Salmon with Lemon and Dill. ...
  • 07 of 12. Crispy Rosemary Chicken and Fries. ...
  • 08 of 12. Roasted Green Beans.
Oct 21, 2020

What kind of junk food is commonly eaten during Hanukkah? ›

Because of the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days, we eat a lot of oily fried foods. Most popular are latkes (typically, potato pancakes - but you can make them with any number of different vegetables), and donuts. But any fried foods can be eaten as “special”.

Can you eat cheese during Hanukkah? ›

"By the 14th century, there's quite a strong tradition that people eat cheese on Hanukkah and it's associated with Judith giving cheese to the enemy to make him drunk," Weingarten says.

Can Jews drink during Hanukkah? ›

Red wines help bring out the rich juices in the meat and cut through some of the fat. Wine is also a very popular drink used by the Jewish people to commemorate occasions. Jason explains, “We celebrate Hannukah and other holidays with alcohol, particularly wine, because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

What do you drink on Hanukkah? ›

Hanukkah / Chanukah Drink Recipe Collection
  • Hebrew Hammer.
  • Mulled Pear and Ginger co*cktail.
  • Aperol Schvitz.
  • Spiced Clementine Sour.
  • Olive Oil Gin Sour.
  • Sababa.
  • Hot Toddy with Spiced Rum.
  • Jelly Donut co*cktail.
Oct 31, 2023

Are there foods you can't eat during Hanukkah? ›

"Among other rules, eating certain animals, primarily pigs and shellfish, is forbidden; meat must be ritually and humanely slaughtered; and dairy and meat aren't to be eaten at the same meal." Fish and plant foods are "neutral" (parve) and can be eaten with either meat or dairy.

What do you eat first night of Hanukkah? ›

A perfect Hanukkah meal might start with matzoh ball soup, have a traditional brisket at the center and a stack of potato latkes on the side. If brisket is not your thing, a simple roasted chicken would serve very nicely, too.

What do you eat for brunch on Hanukkah? ›

While the Hanukkah menorah is usually lit after sunset, a lazy weekend morning is also a great time to celebrate the Jewish holiday. So many traditional Jewish foods double as brunch favorites, from potato latkes (hash browns, anyone?) to doughnuts and challah.

What are two fried treats served during Hanukkah? ›

In America, Hanukkah food typically refers to two things: latkes, Eastern European fried potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts that are favored in Israel and increasingly popular here.

Is there a Hanukkah dinner? ›

Meaty Main Dishes

The star dish for many Hanukkah dinner tables is brisket. It's a show-stopping centerpiece that's as classic as it gets, which is why we love it. For something a little different but equally as fitting, we also love a wintery braise filled with semolina dumplings.

What is the jelly donut for Hanukkah? ›

Sufganiyah (Hebrew: סופגנייה or סופגניה, Hebrew: [ˌsufɡaniˈja]; pl. : sufganiyot, Hebrew: סופגניות, Hebrew: [ˌsufɡaniˈjot], or in Yiddish pontshke פּאָנטשקע) is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

What do the 4 Hebrew letters on a dreidel mean? ›

The Hebrew letters inscribed on a dreidel are a Nun, Gimel, Hey or Chai, and Shin. The letters form an acronym for the Hebrew saying Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, which can be translated to "a great miracle happened there," referring to the miracle which Hanukkah is centered around.

What food is a symbol of Hanukkah? ›

Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a favorite Hanukkah food. They are fried in oil, which reminds Jews of the oil in the menorah. Latkes are often served with applesauce.

Why are oily foods eaten during Hanukkah? ›

Although there was barely enough oil for one day's light, it burned miraculously for eight, giving the soldiers time to rededicate the temple and give it back to the Jewish people. To pay homage to the oil, during Hanukkah, Jews eat fried foods.

Why are latkes eaten at Hanukkah? ›

These potato pancakes (called latkes) are meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil of the menorah in the ransacked Second Temple of Jerusalem was able to stay aflame for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one day. The symbolism comes in the form of the oil in which latkes are fried.

What are Chanukah donuts called? ›

Sufganiyah (Hebrew: סופגנייה or סופגניה, Hebrew: [ˌsufɡaniˈja]; pl. : sufganiyot, Hebrew: סופגניות, Hebrew: [ˌsufɡaniˈjot], or in Yiddish pontshke פּאָנטשקע) is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5927

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.