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A Healthy Hanukkah Menu

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A Healthy Hanukkah Menu

Fennel and Spinach Soup with Roasted Pepper Yogurt

You can serve this light, bright-tasting soup hot or at room temperature—or if you want to get a head start, make it ahead and serve it chilled. If the soup seems a little too thick after pureeing, add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.

Fennel and Spinach Soup with Roasted Pepper Yogurt Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 large fennel bulbs with stalks
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped leek (about 2 medium)
  • 1 cup chopped shallots (about 2 large)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 3/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Dash of ground red pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat broiler. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a paper bag; fold to close tightly. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and chop; set aside.

2. Trim tough outer leaves from fennel. Mince feathery fronds to measure 2 tablespoons; set aside. Remove and discard stalks. Cut bulbs in half lengthwise; discard core. Chop bulbs to measure about 4 cups.

3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add fennel bulb, leek, and next 3 ingredients (through salt); cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, water, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in spinach and black pepper. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes at room temperature.

4. Pour half of fennel mixture into a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining fennel mixture. Return pureed soup to pan; heat over medium heat 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

5. Combine roasted bell peppers, yogurt, lemon rind, lemon juice, and ground red pepper in a food processor; process until smooth.

6. Ladle about 3/4 cup soup into each of 8 bowls; top each serving with 2 tablespoons yogurt mixture. Garnish with fennel fronds.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Beer-Braised Brisket with Honey-Lime Glaze

To make ahead, prepare through step 2, cool slightly, and chill. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, and proceed with step 3.

Beer-Braised Brisket with Honey-Lime Glaze Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1 (5-pound) flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 cups dark beer
  • 2 cups chopped carrot
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup no-salt-added ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon lower-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 20 cilantro sprigs
  • 10 thyme sprigs
  • 6 orange rind strips
  • 6 lemon rind strips
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 apple, cored and cut into 6 wedges
  • 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°.

2. Heat oil in a heavy roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle beef with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Add beef to pan; cook 15 minutes, browning on both sides. Drain oil from pan. Add water and next 14 ingredients (through cinnamon). Bring to a boil; cover with foil, and bake at 325° for 4 hours. Remove beef from pan, reserving cooking liquid. Strain liquid through a sieve into a bowl, and skim fat from surface. Return liquid and beef to pan.

3. Cook beef, uncovered, at 325° for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is fork-tender, basting occasionally. Remove beef from pan, reserving cooking liquid; cover and keep warm.

4. Place a large zip-top plastic bag inside a bowl. Pour cooking liquid into bag. Carefully snip off 1 bottom corner of bag, and drain liquid into a medium saucepan, stopping before fat layer reaches opening. Discard fat. Cook the liquid over medium-high heat until reduced to about 1 cup. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, honey, and lime juice. Cut beef diagonally across grain into thin slices; serve with sauce. Sprinkle evenly with chopped cilantro.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios

You can serve this herby, fruity side at room temperature or chilled.

Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry-roasted pistachios, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Rinse and drain quinoa. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add 2 cups water, wine, and salt to pan; bring to a boil. Add quinoa; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat; set aside, and cool slightly.

2. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add quinoa, cherries, and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Braised Kale

To streamline prep, look for bags of prewashed, prechopped kale.

Braised Kale Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced garlic
  • 10 cup loosely packed chopped kale (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 cup fat-free lower-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 10 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently. Add kale, broth, 1 cup water, and red pepper; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Use any combination of vegetables you like for this riotously colorful side dish. To ensure all the vegetables are done at the same time, place the second pan in the oven after the first pan has been in for 20 minutes.

Roasted Winter Vegetables Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 16 thyme sprigs, divided
  • 4 medium beets, peeled and quartered
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 8 unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 2 medium red onions, peeled and cut lengthwise into quarters
  • 2 fennel bulbs, cored and cut lengthwise into quarters
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Place 8 thyme sprigs, beets, carrots, and turnips in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat. Arrange vegetables in a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 425° for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown, stirring occasionally.

3. Place remaining 8 thyme sprigs, garlic, onions, and fennel in a bowl. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange vegetables in a single layer in a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 425° for 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Combine beet mixture and onion mixture; sprinkle with chopped thyme.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Rustic Apple Tart

Purchased piecrust dough is a convenient time-saver. We like the flavor combo of sweet Golden Delicious and tart Granny Smith apples, but you can use any apple (or combination of apples) you like. If you'd like to keep strictly kosher when making this dessert for our Hanukkah menu, use walnut oil in place of butter, and look for pie dough made with shortening (and containing no lard).

Rustic Apple Tart Photo by: Photo: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 1/2 cups sliced peeled Golden Delicious apple (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 4 1/2 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
  • 1 teaspoon ice water
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apricot preserves
  • 1 teaspoon water

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; cook 2 minutes or until sugars dissolve. Stir in apples and next 3 ingredients (through nutmeg). Cover, reduce heat, and cook 20 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 400°. Set oven rack to lowest third of oven.

3. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Roll dough into a 14-inch circle. Place dough and parchment paper on a baking sheet. Arrange cooled apples in center of dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of dough toward center, pressing gently to seal (dough will only partially cover the apple mixture). Brush dough with 1 teaspoon ice water, and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Bake the tart at 400° for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Place the preserves and 1 teaspoon water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 30 seconds or until bubbly. Brush the mixture over warm tart. Cut into wedges, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2010

Formal Menu Top A Healthy Hanukkah Menu

Fennel and Spinach Soup with Roasted Pepper Yogurt

Beer-Braised Brisket with Honey-Lime Glaze

Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios

Braised Kale

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Rustic Apple Tart

Cooking Light

Formal Menu Bottom

Shopping List for A Healthy Hanukkah Menu

Share and give thanks with the flavors of seasonal bounty. (Serves 16)

Shopping List:

Baking

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Canned

  • 2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup fat-free lower-sodium chicken broth

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Meat

  • 1 (5-pound) flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed

Other

  • 4 cups water
  • 3 cups dark beer
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine

Produce

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 large fennel bulbs with stalks
  • 2 cups chopped leek (about 2 medium)
  • 1 cup chopped shallots (about 2 large)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 cups chopped carrot
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced garlic
  • 10 cup loosely packed chopped kale (about 2 pounds)
  • 16 thyme sprigs, divided
  • 4 medium beets, peeled and quartered
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and quartered
  • 4 1/2 cups sliced peeled Golden Delicious apple (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 4 1/2 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Special

  • 1 teaspoon lower-sodium soy sauce

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup no-salt-added ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe List

Fennel and Spinach Soup with Roasted Pepper Yogurt

Beer-Braised Brisket with Honey-Lime Glaze

Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios

Braised Kale

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Rustic Apple Tart

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A Healthy Hanukkah Menu
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