What Is Kugel?

Kugel is a traditional ethnic food that has been a fixture on the Jewish table for 800 years, according to JewishRecipes.org. The name is pronounced koo-gel or ki-gel, depending on the region of dialect.

Noodle Dessert

Kugel is a dessert or side dish made with noodles, cheese, eggs, sour cream, butter, sugar and cinnamon. After baking it in the oven, cooks serve kugel warm like a custard or pudding.

Variations

Raisins, apricots, pears and other fruits sometimes accompany kugel recipes. Matzah, potatoes, carrots, zucchini and spinach can be a substitution for noodles.

Effects

Though it is now more famous for baking cakes, the Bundt pan was invented in 1953 by H. David Dalquist for baking kugel.

Geography

Kugel is enjoyed throughout the world, including in the United States, Germany, Poland, Israel and South Africa. South African Jews use the word kugel as slang to describe a materialistic woman.

Uses

Kugel is a popular dish for Hanukkah when Jews eat rich foods to symbolize the miracles that occurred during Hanukkah, according to Chabad.

References

• Chabad
• JewishRecipes.org