Potato Kugel
Potato Kugel is a classic Jewish dish, often served during holidays like Hanukkah or Passover. It's a savory, crispy, and comforting casserole made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and a simple seasoning mix. Here’s how to make this traditional dish:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for Passover)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for fluffiness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess liquid. This is important for achieving the right texture.
- Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the Kugel Mixture:
- Add the chopped or grated onion to the bowl with the potatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, flour (or matzo meal), salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional), and paprika (optional) until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the potatoes and onions. Add the baking powder and mix everything together thoroughly.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray.
4. Bake the Kugel:
- Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the inside is fully cooked. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick; it should come out clean.
5. Serve:
- Let the kugel cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, brisket, or any holiday meal.
Tips:
- Crispier Texture: For a crunchier crust, drizzle a little extra oil over the top of the kugel before baking.
- Flavor Variations: You can add grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture for extra flavor and color.
- Matzo Meal: If you’re making kugel for Passover, use matzo meal instead of flour. You can also use potato starch for a gluten-free version.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the kugel in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This Potato Kugel is a perfect side dish that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
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