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Kugel is a beloved traditional dish
Kugel Casserole is a beloved traditional dish in Jewish cuisine, with a particularly popular version in Israel. While kugel comes in many varieties—sweet, savoury, made with noodles, or potatoes—the Israeli version of kugel often refers to a sweet noodle pudding, typically made with egg noodles, eggs, sugar, and spices, with a caramelized crust on top. This dish is commonly served during Jewish holidays, especially Shabbat, and is a staple in many households.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Israeli kugel are simple but come together to create a comforting and flavourful dish. You’ll need wide egg noodles, eggs, sugar, oil or butter, and spices like cinnamon and salt. Some recipes include raisins, which add a burst of sweetness, or caramelized sugar, which gives the dish a rich, deep flavour. In some variations, grated apples or even sweet potatoes can be added, but the classic version sticks to the basics.
Preparation
To prepare Israeli kugel, start by boiling the egg noodles until they’re just tender. While the noodles cook, you’ll need to prepare the caramel. This step is crucial as it sets Israeli kugel apart from other versions. Melt sugar in a pan until it becomes a golden caramel, then carefully mix it with oil or butter. This caramel mixture is then combined with the cooked noodles.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the noodles, ensuring everything is well coated. If you’re adding raisins, now is the time to mix them in. Pour the noodle mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until the kugel is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serving
Israeli kugel is traditionally served warm, either as a side dish or a dessert. The contrast between the sweet, caramelized crust and the soft, tender noodles makes it a delightful addition to any meal. It pairs well with other traditional Jewish foods like challah, brisket, or roasted chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it during a festive holiday meal or as a comforting dish on a regular Shabbat, Israeli kugel brings warmth and a sense of tradition to the table.
Kugel Casserole Israeli Dish Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a traditional Israeli Kugel, often known as Yerushalmi Kugel, which is sweet and features a caramelized noodle base:
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round deep dish.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Caramel: In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber colour, creating a caramel. Be careful not to burn it.
Once the sugar is caramelized, carefully add the vegetable oil and stir until fully combined. The mixture will bubble, so take care.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the caramel mixture, stirring until the noodles are well coated. Let the noodles cool slightly.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. If using raisins, add them to the egg mixture.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the egg mixture to the caramel-coated noodles, mixing well to ensure all the noodles are evenly coated.
Bake the Kugel: Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until the kugel is set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the kugel to cool slightly before cutting into squares or slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
Serving Suggestions: Kugel is typically served as a side dish during Shabbat or holiday meals. It pairs well with meats like brisket or roasted chicken.
Variations: You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like grated apples, sweet potatoes, or nuts for different textures and flavours.
This Israeli kugel is both sweet and savoury, with a unique caramel flavour that makes it a beloved dish in Jewish cuisine.
