Lokshen Kugel

Lokshen Kugel Recipe from Israel with Cheese and Raisins

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lokshen Kugel is a traditional Jewish dish that is often served as a side dish or dessert. This sweet noodle pudding is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for holidays and special occasions.

History

Lokshen Kugel has its origins in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, where noodles were a common ingredient in many dishes. Over time, this dish has become a staple in Jewish households, especially during holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of broad noodles
1 cup of pot cheese
0.5 cup of raisins
1 egg, slightly beaten
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of cinnamon
2 tsp of sugar
0.75 cup of sour cream
0.25 cup of margarine or butter, melted

How to prepare

Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the package and drain them well.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and half of the melted margarine.
Place the mixture in a greased casserole dish and pour the remaining melted margarine over it.
Bake the dish uncovered at 350°F (180°C) for 1 hour.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or gluten-free noodles.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Make sure to drain the noodles well before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent a watery kugel.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Lokshen Kugel can be served warm or cold, as a side dish or dessert. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Lokshen Kugel in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a crispy top layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute cottage cheese for pot cheese.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Lokshen Kugel can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient dish for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lokshen Kugel in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.

Pairing Recommendations

Lokshen Kugel pairs well with savory dishes like brisket or roasted chicken. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lokshen Kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lokshen Kugel contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lokshen Kugel contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lokshen Kugel contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lokshen Kugel contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lokshen Kugel is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (pot cheese, sour cream, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Lokshen Kugel is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying treat for special occasions.

Summary

Lokshen Kugel is a classic Jewish dish that is rich, creamy, and comforting. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a taste of tradition at your next holiday gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lokshen Kugel. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah at her home in the bustling city of New York. Sarah was a Jewish woman who took great pride in her heritage and traditional recipes. As soon as I walked through her front door, I was greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of cinnamon and sugar.

"Ruth, darling, you simply must try my Lokshen Kugel," Sarah exclaimed, leading me into her cozy kitchen. She pulled out a large mixing bowl and began to gather the ingredients. As she cracked eggs, grated apples, and boiled noodles, she shared the story of how she learned to make this delicious dish from her own grandmother.

"Every Friday night, my grandmother would prepare a Shabbat dinner for our family," Sarah explained, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "And without fail, she would always make Lokshen Kugel. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, and it was a dish that brought our family together."

As Sarah mixed the ingredients together and poured the mixture into a baking dish, she continued to regale me with stories of her childhood and the time she spent in the kitchen with her beloved grandmother. I could see the love and passion she had for this recipe, and I couldn't wait to taste the end result.

After a long and agonizing wait while the Lokshen Kugel baked in the oven, Sarah finally pulled it out, the top perfectly golden and crispy. The sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. As Sarah cut into the kugel and served me a generous slice, I took my first bite and was transported to a world of flavor and comfort.

The Lokshen Kugel was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the noodles cooked to perfection and the apples adding a hint of tartness. I savored each bite, feeling the love and tradition that had gone into creating this dish. Sarah beamed with pride as I complimented her on her culinary skills, and I knew that I had to learn how to make Lokshen Kugel for myself.

Over the next few weeks, Sarah graciously taught me her family's recipe for Lokshen Kugel. We spent hours in the kitchen together, mixing ingredients, boiling noodles, and baking the kugel to perfection. I learned the importance of patience and precision in cooking, as well as the power of tradition and heritage in every dish.

As I perfected the recipe and made it my own, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to my own roots. The Lokshen Kugel became a staple in my own family gatherings, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the love and memories we shared.

Years passed, and I continued to make Lokshen Kugel for my grandchildren, passing down the recipe and the stories that went along with it. Each time I pulled the kugel out of the oven and served it to my loved ones, I felt a sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the countless meals I have shared with my family and friends, I am grateful for the discovery of that recipe for Lokshen Kugel so many years ago. It has brought me closer to my heritage, connected me to my loved ones, and filled my home with warmth and love. The Lokshen Kugel will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and keep our traditions alive.