Ufganiyot, the beloved jelly-filled doughnuts, have become synonymous with the celebration of Hanukkah, a festival that commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Second Temple. These delectable treats not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also carry a rich history that reflects the cultural and culinary evolution of Jewish communities around the world. This article delves into the origins, variations, and significance of sufganiyot in Jewish tradition.
Origins of Sufganiyot
The history of sufganiyot can be traced back to the late 15th century, with the earliest known recipe appearing in a German cookbook titled Kuchenmeisterei (Mastery of the Kitchen) published in 1485. This cookbook, one of the first to be printed using Johannes Gutenberg’s press, featured a recipe for Gefüllte Krapfen, which consisted of two rounds of yeast dough filled with jam and deep-fried in lard.
Initially, these filled doughnuts were savory, often packed with ingredients such as meat, fish, or mushrooms, as sugar was a luxury item at the time. However, with the decline in sugar prices due to the establishment of Caribbean sugar plantations in the 16th century, sweet fillings became more common, and the concept of sweet doughnuts began to spread across Europe.
As Jewish communities migrated and settled in various regions, they adapted these recipes to fit their dietary laws. In Poland, for instance, these doughnuts became known as paczki, while in Yiddish-speaking communities, they were referred to as ponchiks, fried in schmaltz (rendered chicken or goose fat) instead of lard.
The term sufganiyah itself comes from the Hebrew word sfog, meaning “sponge,” which refers to the dough’s texture after frying. The connection between sufganiyot and Hanukkah can be traced back to the 12th century, where fried pastries were already a part of the holiday’s culinary traditions, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.
Sufganiyot in Jewish Tradition
A Symbol of Hanukkah
The tradition of eating sufganiyot during Hanukkah became particularly prominent in Israel in the 20th century. In the late 1920s, the Histadrut, Israel’s national labor federation, promoted sufganiyot as the official food of Hanukkah. The reasoning behind this was twofold: while latkes (potato pancakes) could easily be made at home, sufganiyot required professional bakers to produce, thereby creating jobs and boosting the economy during the holiday season.
Today, it is estimated that Israelis consume approximately 20 million sufganiyot during the eight days of Hanukkah, averaging about three doughnuts per person. This culinary tradition has become a hallmark of the holiday, with bakeries across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide offering a variety of fillings, including strawberry jam, custard, chocolate, and even more adventurous flavors like halva or alcohol-infused fillings.
Variations of Sufganiyot
While the classic sufganiyah is typically filled with jelly or jam, there are numerous variations that reflect regional tastes and preferences:
Paczki: In Poland, these doughnuts are often larger and richer, filled with fruit preserves or sweet cream. They are traditionally eaten on Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Lent, but have also become popular during Hanukkah among Polish Jews.
Sfenj: Moroccan Jews enjoy a different type of fried doughnut known as sfenj, which is made from a simple dough and is often soaked in honey syrup rather than filled with jelly. This variation highlights the diverse culinary practices among Jewish communities.
Bimuelos: In Sephardic traditions, bimuelos are sweet fritters that are also enjoyed during Hanukkah. These are typically flavored with spices and drizzled with syrup, showcasing the influence of Mediterranean flavors.
Levivot: Another Sephardic treat, levivot are fried dough drizzled with syrup, reflecting the adaptation of fried foods to local customs and ingredients.
Making Sufganiyot
Ingredients
To make traditional sufganiyot, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (plus more for dusting)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus about 2 quarts for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 1 cup of jam or jelly for filling
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shape the Doughnuts: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Cut out circles using a doughnut cutter or a glass.
Second Rise: Place the cut doughnuts on a floured surface, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Fill the Doughnuts: Once cooled, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to fill each doughnut with your choice of jam or jelly.
Dust with Sugar: Finally, dust the filled doughnuts with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
see also: Why Do Donuts Have a Hole in Them?
Conclusion
Sufganiyot are more than just a delicious treat; they are a symbol of resilience, tradition, and community within Jewish culture. Their evolution from savory pastries to sweet delights reflects the adaptability of Jewish culinary practices over centuries. As families gather to celebrate Hanukkah, the act of sharing sufganiyot continues to create bonds and memories, ensuring that this sweet tradition remains an integral part of Jewish heritage. Whether enjoyed in Israel or in Jewish communities around the world, sufganiyot serve as a reminder of the miracles of the past and the joy of togetherness during the festival of lights.