Bimuelos de Hanuka

The Bimuelos de Hanuka are fried donut treat usually prepared for Hanuka. There is also a Bimuelos de Pesach which are prepared kosher for Passover with a different recipe. These Sephardic Bimuelos are a simple fried dough treat similar to a American donut hole or French beignet. The Ashkenazi Sufganiyot, popularly known as the Israeli donut, is version that usually features fruit jelly or sweet cream injected inside. Loukoumades are related to Bimuelos but take on a distinctive Ottoman and Greek influenced recipe. Bimuelos, also known as buñuelos, find their origins in Ancient Rome and are still popular in Spain, Latin America, and other Mediterranean countries.

• Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups  all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder (Use baking powder for a quicker recipe; alternatively, use 3 yeast packets (.5 oz each) and wait 1 hour for dough to rise)
  • pinch if salt
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • Neutral oil for frying (Vegetable, Grapeseed, or Avocado)
  • Optional: 1/8 tsp vanilla extract, powdered sugar

• Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. For a sweeter donut, add 1 Tbsp of sugar.
  2. Add the egg and milk and combine to form batter.
  3. In a sauce pan or deep fryer, add oil (about two inches high) and heat oil to approximately 365 degrees.
  4. Drop the batter by tablespoons into the oil.
  5. Fry the donuts until they are golden brown on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Remove with a slotted spoon and  transfer to a large plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  7. Allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
  8. Optional: Serve with honey syrup