This comforting Potato Kugel has a crispy exterior and a perfectly soft and flavorful interior.
With deep roots in Ashkenazi Jewish culinary tradition, potato kugel was first popularized in Eastern Europe, where potatoes were a household staple. It was customary to serve kugel as the side dish to a hearty main course like brisket or a roasted chicken. Its versatility has allowed it to remain a beloved part of Jewish comfort food even today. In Yiddish, kugel translates to “ball” or “pudding,” but this is far from the sweet variety of kugel you might be familiar with that contains raisins and cinnamon. Savory potato kugel has been a main attraction at Shabbat dinners and other celebrations for a mighty long time. The ingredients in this potato kugel may seem quite simple, but together they create a truly unique dish that is seriously tasty. Russet potatoes, eggs, onions, and a few seasonings come together to create a dish that truly sticks to one’s ribs.
Is This Potato Kugel Healthy?
This potato kugel recipe is both gluten-free and vegetarian. While it is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the main ingredient of russet potatoes, potatoes happen to be a source of vitamin C and potassium. For a version that’s a bit lower in carbs, you can mix in some grated cauliflower with the potatoes. This will not only reduce the overall carb content but will also add more fiber to the dish.
Varieties Of Kugel
Kugel has numerous variations that depend on region, personal taste, and family tradition. Some kugels are sweet, while others are deeply savory, like the classic potato kugel. Sweeter kugels are dessert-adjacent and often incorporate ingredients like cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and even apples. These sweeter types of kugel are usually featured on Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Passover. One of my favorite varieties of kugel is noodle kugel, which uses egg noodles as the base instead of potatoes and sometimes includes sour cream or cottage cheese for a fluffy, creamy consistency. There’s truly a kugel recipe for every personal taste. No matter the variety, kugel remains a cherished staple in Jewish cuisine for any occasion.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover kugel in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can store this kugel in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 10 months. The kugel can go straight from the freezer to the oven, where you can slowly reheat it at a low-temperature (250°F) oven for 90 minutes, or until heated through.
Why Is My Potato Kugel Gummy?
Soak your grated potato in ice water to eliminate excess starch, and squeeze the potatoes in a clean dishcloth to wring out as much liquid as possible. This helps avoid a gummy texture in the finished dish.
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead Of Vegetable Oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil if you’d like, though I’d advise against using extra-virgin olive oil as a more neutral-flavored oil works best in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Build a lovely, festive menu around this potato kugel by serving it alongside this perfect Roast Chicken With Vegetables, this Lemon Roasted Chicken, or Sous Vide Brisket. Add some color to the table with savory Roasted Beets And Carrots or garlicky Roasted Cabbage. Looking for a tasty dessert to end the night right? Give this easy-to-make Apple Cake a try.
Ingredients
- 10 medium russet potatoes peeled and grated
- 2 medium onions peeled and grated
- 6 large eggs beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onions. Stir in the eggs, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and crisp, about 90 minutes.
- Serve each portion topped with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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