Fried chicken

Pollo fritto per Hanucca, Italian Jewish fried chicken Italian Jews have a fried chicken made just for Hanukkah. The pieces marinate in lemon, garlic and spices, sometimes overnight, before a dip in batter and a fry in olive oil, which ties the dish straight back to the oil of the holiday story. Some families add cinnamon or a grating of nutmeg to the marinade. This is the main course that wins over the skeptics who think Hanukkah food is all pancakes and doughnuts. Fry it in advance and serve it warm or at room temperature with plenty of lemon wedges, and it holds up on a buffet better than almost anything else that comes out of a fryer.