I love latkes! I love the crispy slightly greasy oniony treat that is a familiar sight on Hanukkah. Give me apple sauce; give me sour cream, just give latkes.  

At least for the first night. Then give me something else.

This week I am teaching Chicago-area Hanukkah revelers different gastronomic delights that fulfill the mitzvah of eating something fried. Below are some of the recipes. Have a Freylich Hanukkah! 

Arancini Di Farro 

Arancini are a southern Italian specialty meaning “little oranges”. This refers to their small, round shape. Farro is now grown almost exclusively in
Italy. Farro can be purchased in specialty health food stores, on-line and in Italian grocery stores. 

8 ounces of farro
4-6 cups chicken stock or water
1 cup shredded braised short ribs or brisket (Shredded, leftover brisket works well for this)
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley-chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme-chopped
3 eggs
2 cups bread crumbs
Extra Virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste 

1. Rinse the farro under running water to remove any loose husks. Place the farro in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 cups of water and boil for 15 minutes. Lower the heat, cover the pan and cook the farro until tender, thick and creamy (a wooden spoon should almost stand up in it), about 45 minutes. Salt and pepper the farro at this point.  If the farro seems to “hard”, add the remaining water and continue cooking until done. Remove the pan from the heat. Place the farro in a shallow dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate the farro until completely cold.
2. Place the shredded meat in a bowl and add the parsley, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Scoop the farro with a tablespoon and roll into a small ball. With your finger, push a small indentation into the ball. Place a small amount of the meat mixture into the farro and close the opening by rolling the ball between your palms. Set aside and continue until all the farro is used.
4. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Place the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Place a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Heat the oil to approximately 350 degrees. Take a ball and dip it into the eggs, then roll it into the breadcrumbs.

Place the ball on a separate plate. When you have about 6-8 balls, place them into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove the balls and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Continue with the rest of the balls. The arancini will stay crispy for several hours at room temperature.   

Recipe adapted from JEWISH COOKING FOR ALL SEASONS (John Wiley and Sons) Laura Frankel 

Chickpea Fries

This delicious crunchy fry with a creamy center is classic street food in the Nicoise region of France. I like to make these fries as an accompaniment to saucy fish or meat dishes. They are the perfect vehicle to soak up sauce. They also make a great hors-d’œuvre served with a garlicky aioli.  

2 cups chick pea flour
2 T. flat leaf parsley-chopped
2 1/3 cups flour
2 1/3 cups of water
1 garlic clove-chopped
Olive oil for frying
Salt and pepper 

1.   In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the chickpea flour with the parsley, garlic, pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk in the water in a thin stream until a smooth paste forms. Boil the mixture over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, about 5 minutes. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. 2.      Scrape the dough into a 12-by-7 1/2 -inch baking dish and smooth the surface. Let cool to room temperature. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the dough and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.  3.   In a medium skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°. Unmold the chickpea dough onto a cutting board. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/2 -inch-wide sticks. Fry the chickpea sticks in 2 batches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fries to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt and serve at once.