The Jewish New Year falls in September and since we follow a lunar calendar, that means this year, Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of September 13th, which means I better start getting ready.
There really isn't much to do since family is elsewhere, but I do like to have a holiday meal before going to temple.
The day of Rosh Hashanah, for those of us that are lucky enough, is spent in the mountains at 10,000 feet celebrating the New Year.
Our temple has a camp that is located in the most gorgeous spot high in the Rockies, where every year I feel privileged to look over the horizon and see the aspens turning golden, as I sit and pray in front of the rushing stream.
Not every one has the chance to go because there is only room for about 100 people.
We always send in our reservation the minute it is announced because scoring a seat is first come, first served!
It is glorious praying in our jeans and in most cases the weather is glorious, too.
That is not to say that every year is perfect. Some years it has snowed or rained and sitting in a cabin decorated with kid's murals is our only option.
But what do we eat on this holiday? I mean really. Let's cut to the chase!
The holiday 10 days after Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur.
That is a very serious holiday where we atone and have to fast for 24 hours.
After that typically a dairy meal is served, much like a breakfast, except for dinner.
We all know about brinner right?
But Rosh Hashanah is easy. And sweet. And I do not say that jokingly.
We are always praying for a sweet new year, so honey plays a big part in many of our recipes.
Serving apples (because of the season) with honey, and saying a prayer thanking God for allowing us to reach this season, is a commandment for us.
It is not taken lightly and always causes me to stop and look around and feel grateful for my family and the world around me.
So yes, apple dishes are important, too. Other than that, traditional Jewish foods are in order.
Passover Potato Kugel
Last April for Passover, I made a new twist on potato kugel.
Now I'm going to tell you flat out that potato kugel should be in everyone's repertoire.
We are basically talking about potatoes, eggs and onion. Nothing wrong with those ingredients.
I have written about another potato kugel recipe that is quite uncommon, which was Ilse's recipe.
It is very unique and tastes like a potato custard with a crisp golden crunchy crust. Thanks be to God.
No, this Passover potato kugel is different than that.
It is still potatoey and has a golden crust, but it isn't as thick as Ilse's.
It is basically a casserole and serves a lot of people. You can take this girl places, know what I mean?
What is a Potato Kugel?
A traditional kugel consists of grated raw potatoes, mixed with eggs and grated onions.
Season it. Throw it in a 13 by 9 pan and bake until done. Nothing wrong with that.
That is the simple version and it can also be baked in muffin cups for individual servings.
Often though I have looked for a bit lighter, more flavorful version, and I think I've found it with this Passover potato kugel recipe.
If you have ever had a knish, well, this new kugel kind of tastes like a knish in a dish, minus the pastry crust.
I love it fresh, not reheated, but that is up to you.
This is a lighter kugel because you are mixing mashed potatoes with the raw potatoes and then adding cooked onions.
I know it is a bit more of a potchke (making more of a fuss) but if you have the time, it is worth it.
Even if you aren't looking for a Jewish recipe, this would suit any holiday buffet.
Serve it with a roast or ham and most folks would think you were really going gourmet, when the truth is that this is pretty much a staple in most Jewish homes every Friday night.
It really is just a casserole, according to Wikipedia, and since most of you know what that is, I'm going to call this a Passover potato kugel casserole.
After all, who knows what a kugel is? Except for maybe 1% of us!
(This is an updated post from September, 2015.)
Recipe
Onion Crusted Potato Kugel Casserole
- Prep Time: 45 Minutes*
- Cook Time: 60 Minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 - 12 Servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This might be considered an onion lovers potato kugel! Perfect for Passover, this gluten-free kugel almost reminds me of a giant knish!
Ingredients
2 lbs onions, sliced very thin
Kosher Salt
6 T Olive Oil
2 t minced garlic
Fresh ground black pepper
6 large or 8 medium Russet potates, peeled
4 large eggs
1 t baking powder
1 - 2 T rosemary or thyme leaves chopped, optional
Instructions
Separate the onions into rings. To extract moisture sprinkle with 2 t of salt and stirring now and then, let them sit for about 20 minutes. Dry between 2 layers of paper towels.
In a large skillet heat 3 T of olive oil and add the onions. Cook on medium-high heat about 20 minutes until onions are golden and caramelized. Season well with lots of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cut 2 potatoes into chunks and add to boiling salted water and cook until soft. Drain and place in a large bowl and mash with a large fork or potato masher. Add half of the onions and stir in.
Preheat oven to 400 with one rack in the top position. In a food processor fitted with the shredder or using a grater, shred the rest of the potatoes. Place in a colander and rinse well with cold water to remove the starch. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and add to the mashed potatoes.
Beat the eggs until thick and light and add the baking powder. Mix well and add to the potato mixture. Check for seasoning because you may need to add more salt and pepper.
Pour 3 T of olive oil into a large oven proof pan-preferably a metal pan or a cast iron. Rub the oil all over and place in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes until sizzling hot, but not smoking. Transfer potato mixture to the pan and spread evenly. Top with the remaining onions. Sprinkle with your choice of herb, if using and then sprinkle with more salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Place back in oven on the top rack and bake for 30 minutes. Then turn down oven to 350F and bake for 25 to 40 minutes until the kugel is firm and crispy. Let kugel cool until it is ready to be sliced.
Notes
Kugel can be reheated, but I prefer to chop the leftovers up and make a hash with my kugel and leftover brisket. So good!
From: Jewish Holiday Cooking by Jayne Cohen
Chef Mimi says
Oh this is fabulous! And I love your leftover idea.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
This looks delicious! Hope you have a wonderful holiday in the mountains, Abbe!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Did my comment go through? I got a funny character with a frown 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well, this one did Maureen. And no frown!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
I love discovering new cuisines!! Ooh, thank you for sharing this. And happy Jewish New Year to you! N x
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Nagi! It is funny how that I've never thought of Jewish food as a cuisine! Just comfort food to me!
Daniela Grimburg says
Happy Jewish New Year, Abbe! It must be wonderful to spend this Holiday at the temple you described, in such a gorgeous surrounding.
The potatoe kugel looks so good, perfect for a special celebration.
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is wonderful and it should be gorgeous this year. My guess is that the aspen will be in full fall regalia! Thanks, Daniela!
Biz says
I've never heard of that dish, but without the onions crusting the top (I um gently putting my big toe into liking them!) this looks delicious. I actually stopped by to see if you had an Octoberfest recipes - my boss is hosting again in late October/early November and needs my help menu planning.
Hugs!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've never done Oktoberfest. Now you have me thinking!
Zoe says
Hi Abbe,
Happy Jewish New Year to you and your family! I like how you celebrate this special day with this delicious and comforting onion crusted potato kugel casserole with beautiful colours 😀
Zoe
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh yes, Zoe. Food definitely makes for a great celebration!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
The Kugel looks and sounds wonderful. Perfect food - all around. I hope you have a blessed Jewish New Year - and all year long. I am not Jewish but admire the traditions and strong family bonds. Blessings to you and your family.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Tricia! I love traditions of any kind. I appreciate the good wishes!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love potato kugel casserole but you really upped the game with that onion crust! With a bunch of onions just picked this is the perfect match!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You chose the highlight! The onion crust and the lightness of this kugel makes it really unusual, Pamela! Thanks!
Beth says
Whatever you call it, this sounds amazing!
Abbe Odenwalder says
That's the spirit!
Rebecca Subbiah says
looks delicious and wow sounds a magical place to pray
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Rebecca! It is beautiful. I'll have to show some photos!
Joanne says
I may not be Jewish, but I definitely want to try my hand at this kugel! We have been getting lots of potatoes in our CSA and this looks so good!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I would love t get a lot of potatoes, Joanne. I grew them once. They were so much fun to dig out!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
Good Grief Abbe, this looks INcredible. This is something that I'd eat way too much of, sit around and complain about my lack of self control and then go back for seconds. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well Lea Ann, that is good. However you'd be having to fill your plate with a lot of other good foods, too! But I sure agree with you!
Angie Schneider says
I have never made a kugel..this casserole looks very satisfying and utterly delicious.
Happy New Year to you!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Angie! You would love it!
Sippity Sup says
Happy New Year to you. We acknowledge the holiday at our house too (and I'm not even Jewish). Now If I can just get to the mountains. GREG
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well. It seems like you've been everywhere else! Holidays are wonderful and the important thing is to celebrate them!
Kitchen Riffs says
Kugles are great! Never made one -- something I should correct, and soon. Maybe during my downtime? 😉 Have a wonderful New Year!
Abbe Odenwalder says
What downtime? You best get to that!
Liz Berg says
Spending your Jewish New Year in the mountains sounds like the perfect way to reflect and celebrate. And your kugel looks like one heavenly dish---I can see it appearing at many holidays!
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is a great way to celebrate and reflect. So true, Liz. Yes, this appears often, in many disguises!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I don't think I've ever had a kugel before, but I adore anything with potatoes, looks delicious. Pinned and printed.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Cheri! I'm a potato lover, too. In case you couldn't tell!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Karen! They are really good!
Karen Harris says
Oh, YUM! I have never made a kuglel, but this one has be convinced that I need to. Beautiful photos Abbe!