Hanukkah: Noodle Kugel

kugel

Ok. Let's talk kugel.

A kugel translates from Yiddish to any baked pudding in Eastern European Jewish culture.
My favorite is a noodle kugel. Also known as a noodle pudding.

There are 2 types of noodle kugel. A sweet kugel and a savory one (which has no sour cream or cottage cheese).

The sweet one (made with dairy) was to be served with a meal that was free of meat, and the savory one could be served along side a meat dinner (hence, making it kosher). It can be confusing.

Just think of it this way: No milk with meat.

Since I am not kosher, I can eat the dairy one whenever I want!
HEATHEN!

Most Jewish people serve this gorgeous kugel at Hanukkah or Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).
It is quite heavy, so save up your calories.
You can reduce calories and fat by using low fat sour cream and cottage cheese.

This is like my turkey pot pie. I make it only once a year.
I once made it for Easter for my husband's family along side a pork roast and everyone loved it! and it is the PERFECT Christmas pudding!

We like to mix up the cultures around here!



There are many different recipes for noodle kugel. Some people use crushed pineapple, or a cornflake topping or sliced almonds.
I happen to be partial to this recipe, it is my grandmother's.

Happy Hanukkah!



BEST Noodle Pudding (Kugel):

16 oz. of extra wide egg noodles
6 eggs
1 1/2 cup of sour cream
1 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
1 stick of butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest of an orange
pinch of salt
1/2 cup of raisins or currants
1 medium sized apple, peeled and grated

Cook and drain your noodles. Rinse under cold water.



In a large bowl beat all the ingredients together until combined, then add your noodles.
Grate in the apple at the end.



Pour into greased 9 x 13 casserole and sprinkle with cinnamon.



Bake uncovered at 375F for 30 minutes until top is golden and pudding is set.



Enjoy!










Comments

LaDue & Crew said…
Stacey, this brings back memories!! I haven't had kugel since I left NY... Now I'm gonna make it this week! Your recipe, of course ;-) looks amazing...
LaDue & Crew said…
Stacey, this brings back memories!! I haven't had kugel since I left NY... Now I'm gonna make it this week! Your recipe, of course ;-) looks amazing...
Mom24 said…
My daughter will be made I'm messing with the usual recipe, but I'm making this for Hanukkah. Thanks.
kat said…
You are a mind reader! I was just saying last night I wanted someone to teach me how to make kugel.
Foodiewife said…
I trust your grandmother, best. This is a lovely version-- the orange zest, apple and raisins! Winner! I've never made a kugel, and I must! It sounds like the perfect comfort food.
The JR said…
I bet it is good. I've never had one but I love the way it looks. I've never had this combination of ingredients together, but I love each of them.

I'm sure I would enjoy your kugel very much.
I'd love a piece of your kugel Stace!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
This would be the perfect thing to take to a Hanukkah party I'm going to.
Patsyk said…
Happy Hanukkah, Stace! Your kugel looks wonderful!
Bluebird NY said…
This Catholic girl loves kugel! I can't wait to make this recipe as a side for my Christmas dinner....
Zoe said…
This looks fantastic! I absolutely love kugel
Maria said…
Never made this, will have to give it a go!
Kugel has been a family favorite! I wonder why I haven't been making this one. Thanks for posting. I now remember kugel as my comfort food when I was young.
Mmm I have a friend who makes an awesome sweet kugel. But I rarely see her and you know what? This recipe looks even better!! Thanks!!

Sues
Lori Lynn said…
Hi Stace! Happy Hanukkah!

Your kugel is my favorite kind. And believe it or not, It was the first real "dish" I ever made, I made it with my friend, Esther. I think we were in 7th grade. i'll have to ask my mom if she remembers...
Have a great holiday!
LL
Jen_from_NJ said…
My friend, Andrea, makes a delicious noodle kugel. Your recipe seems to be quite similar. I'll have to give this a try. Looks delicious!
Dana said…
That is almost identical to the one my mom makes. She makes it for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. I absolutely loved it as a kid when she made it more often. It's still one of my favorite parts of those two meals.
nothing like a heathen near christmas time! LOL! call me a heathen too cause i want to dig into this! never had it but i want it.