By PJ Library

Hanukkah is a time for celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. The lighting of the menorah (candelabrum, also known in Hebrew as a hanukkiah) is the central mitzvah, or commandment, of the holiday.

Another Hanukkah tradition is to eat foods fried in oil, symbolic of the oil in the ancient Temple menorah that lasted for eight days. You may already be a pro at making latkes (potato pancakes), but have you tackled bimuelos, a special Sephardic fried dough treat, yet?

Learn how to make these easy and delicious treats to share with your family. 

Bimuelos

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Optional: honey, maple syrup, or powdered sugar for dipping or topping 

Preparation

Kids can help with making dough, rolling batter, and choosing toppings. Grown-ups should handle all of the frying.

1. Mix the dry ingredients together.

2. Add the egg and milk, and then stir until batter forms.

3. In a frying pan, pour oil (about two inches high) and warm to about 365ºF.

4. Drop the batter by tablespoons into the oil.

5. Fry bimuelos until they are golden on each side, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer finished bimuelo to paper-towel lined plate. Cool and allow oil to drain.

7. Enjoy!

Tips

Egg-free version: Substitute 4 tablespoons of whipped aquafaba (the liquid that canned chickpeas are packed in).

Dairy-free version: Use soy or rice milk and whisk in a tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar before adding the milk to the recipe.

Find a how-to video and printable version of this recipe at tinyurl.com/2j32h9ex. Discover more Hanukkah recipes, crafts, and activities at pjlibrary.org. 

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which delivers more than 680,000 free Jewish storybooks to kids around the world each month. Now in its 17th year, the program shipped its 50 millionth book in 2022. Jewish families of all backgrounds and levels of Jewish knowledge and observance, including interfaith households, may subscribe. Every child in the home will receive a new, age-appropriate book each month. Find out more at pjlibrary.org.