Can't Decide Between Sufganiyot and Latkes? Here's How to Enjoy Both During Chanukah!

Every gathering during Chanukah seems to revolve around delicious fried treats in all sorts of forms and colors. Most recipes for sufganiyot involve flour, sugar, and plenty of oil. To all this "goodness," we add rich fillings and toppings like chocolate, sprinkles, creams, and whipped toppings, or at best, the traditional jelly made from sugar and food colorings.

On the surface, latkes appear to be a slightly better choice than sufganiyot. Latkes are smaller, and their calorie content is usually less. However, it's rare that anyone stops at just one. They often come with sour cream or other sauces that add strain on your digestion and your body overall, packing in quite the caloric punch.

So, what's the better choice? And how can we minimize the "damage"?

First, it's wise to plan and decide beforehand what you'll eat during the Chanukah evenings. Planning allows us to focus and take control.

Latkes are easy to make at home. Add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, leeks, cauliflower, and even pumpkin to the potato mixture.

To reduce the oil, try baking the latkes on parchment paper with a little oil. Instead of heavy sauces, consider making toppings from crushed tomatoes, pesto, or a rich vegetable salad with antioxidants to balance the acidity.

For those who prefer traditionally fried latkes, try a light frying first, then baking them. The longer latkes stay in oil, the more they absorb, so a quick fry for taste followed by baking is optimal.

Making your own sufganiyot at home is also a good idea. This way, you know exactly what goes into them and which oil is used.

Deep-frying sufganiyot at a high temperature will result in less oil absorption.

One large sufganiyah is often better than two smaller ones, as the surface area allows for greater oil absorption.

Try to stick to traditional jelly-filled sufganiyot rather than those filled with chocolate and creams. When making them yourself, use high-quality jelly without food colorings, made from real fruit rather than artificial flavors.

Of course, there are always other options for the Chanukah evenings. Remember, you can fulfill the mitzvah of candle lighting without indulging in sufganiyot, fried foods, and oxidized oils.