Hanukkah Food Traditions

With holidays come memories of family, friends and food. Many holidays have traditional foods associated with them. Hanukkah is no exception. This festival of light is a celebration to remember the miracle of one day’s oil lasting eight days to light the lamps in the temple. Many foods served on the eight days of Hanukkah are fried in oil – latkes and donuts come to mind. Latkes are fried potato pancakes. Challah bread and beef brisket are among other dishes traditionally served at Hanukkah.

So what do you do if you want to enjoy the traditional foods of Hanukkah and you are on a potassium-restricted diet? Potatoes are one of the highest potassium vegetables out there. What can you substitute? A little creativity with lower potassium vegetables are the key to keep these fried fritters. Vegetables lower in potassium such as broccoli, onion, cauliflower and zucchini make delicious vegetable latkes.

Davita.com has several great latke recipes using lower potassium vegetables.

• Broccoli Onion Latkes
• Cauliflower Latkes
• Zucchini Onion Latkes

For a new twist on donuts, try this fritter recipe with apples, a low-potassium fruit.

Apple Fitter Rings

Here are a few more kidney-friendly recipes for Hanukah holidays.

• Heavenly Challah
• Braised Beef Brisket
• Beef Brisket Gravy

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles                                                       

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.