Tips For a Low Fat Hanukkah

Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over the Greco-Syrians in 165 BCE and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews had been persecuted and forced to worship Greek gods. A small army led by Judah Maccabee fought for three years to drive out their oppressors from Judea. When the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found that there was only enough purified oil to burn for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days.

Because of this, the eight-branch Hanukkah Menorah stands as the main symbol of this holiday, reminding Jews of their struggle for freedom. The miracle of the oil is why traditional Hanukkah fare is typically fried.

Dairy products are also popular at Hanukkah, again symbolizing the Jews’ struggle for freedom. In this case, a Jewish heroine, Judith, saved her village from the Syrians. She beguiled a general of the Syrian army, encouraging him one night to feast on salty cheese, which led him to drink enough wine to pass out. Judith took his sword and beheaded him. When the Syrians discovered what had happened, they fled.

These explain why Hanukkah is associated with oil and fat. How can you observe the holiday yet watch your intake of fat? Here are a few tips.

Potato Latkes:

• Bind the grated potato mixture with egg whites instead of whole eggs, or use egg substitute
• Oven fry the latkes instead of frying them on the stovetop
• Use olive oil, which is heart-healthy
• If you do use the stovetop method, use less oil and wait until it is very hot (375-400 degrees) before adding the pancakes. That way, the latkes will absorb less of the oil
• Blot the latkes with kitchen paper before serving
• Top with fat-free sour cream and no sugar-added applesauce

Rugelach:
These tasty little crescent-shaped pastries can be lightened a little by using reduced-fat cream cheese in the dough instead of the full-fat version. Be warned: they are still largely butter-based, but any modification will help. You can find many rugelach recipes on About's own Kosher Food site. They are not low fat ones but you can find plenty of ideas and variations on the classic rugelach recipe. One tip: cut the dough into smaller, bite-sized portions if you make a log version, or into smaller wedges if you roll the dough into disks.

Soufganiyot:
Traditionally a deep-fried jelly-filled doughnut, these can be baked in the oven instead. Try this lower fat version from highly acclaimed Jewish cook, Joan Nathan.

Finally, if you are looking for low fat Jewish recipes for the holidays and in general, try these inspiring cookbooks, which offer plenty of tips and substitutions while still adhering to dietary law.