Neyyappam

Neyyappam, as the Cochin Jews of Kerala make them for Hanukkah The Jews of Cochin on India's southwest coast fry a whole spread for Hanukkah, built on local South Indian ingredients. These sweet fritters carry coconut, dried fruit, nuts and spices, so they taste nothing like anything else on a typical Ashkenazi table. That is the reason to make them: one plate that opens a conversation about how far the festival has traveled. They are small and dense, perfect for a dessert board, and they pair beautifully with strong coffee or chai late in the evening.