Shabbat:
Meat Cholent
Meat Cholent
Cholent, a heavy stew, became the answer to the age-old problem of how to have nourishing hot food on the Sabbath without violating injunctions in Jewish law. Since it is permitted to prepare food in advance and keep it warm in an oven lit before the Sabbath began, cholent, which it is not impaired by long, slow cooking (indeed the process improves the flavor), was adopted as the principal Sabbath food in eastern Europe. Read more
Rosh Hashanah:
Tzimmes
Tzimmes is any kind of sweet stew. It usually is orange in color, and includes carrots, sweet potatoes and/or prunes. A wide variety of dishes fall under the heading "tzimmes." Read more
Sukkot:
Matzah Ball Soup
Also known as Jewish penicillin, matzah balls are more traditionally known as knaydelach (Yiddish for dumplings). Matzah ball soup is generally a very thin chicken broth with two or three ping-pong-ball sized matzah balls (or sometimes one very large matzah ball) in it. Sometimes, a few large pieces of carrot or celery are added. Matzah balls can be very soft and light or firm and heavy. A friend of mine describes the two types as "floaters and sinkers." Matzah ball soup can be served at all holidays. Read more
Hanukkah:
Latkes
Originating in eastern Europe, latkes (potato pancakes) have been a staple of the Jewish diet for many years. Eaten especially during the festivals of Hanukkah and Passover, these light and scrumptious treats continue to be a favorite on the Israeli menu. Read more
Purim:
Hamentaschen
On Purim, Jews are commanded to send out gifts of food or drink, and to make gifts to charity. The sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manot (lit. sending out portions). Among Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen (lit. Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are supposed to represent Haman's three-cornered hat. Read more
Passover:
Sephardic Date Haroset
Symbolic of the mortar and bricks that the enslaved Jews used to build the pharoah's cities, this sweet food is delicious. Make enough so people can eat it with the meal. Read more
Shavuot: Blintzes
Throughout the Western world people eat crepe suzettes. Blintzes are the Jewish eastern European version of the French treat. The word "blintz" comes from a Ukrainian word meaning "pancake." The Israeli bent on having a light meal in the evening, after a theater performance or movie, will choose from among a number of specialty restaurants serving this delicacy with a choice of several different fillings. Read more
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