Recipes
Matzah Ball Soup
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 -- sometimes the two types are referred to as "floaters and sinkers." Matzah ball soup is a staple at all Jewish holidays.
Svinge – Fried Sweet Dough
Svinge is a fried sweet dough and is a Hanukkah favorite.
Apple Kugel (Apple Pudding)
Apples are a traditional food and is accompanied by a prayer recited just before eating them. Additionally, apples are traditionally incorporated into the recipes of the festive meal itself
Baba Ganouj (Eggplant with Tehina)
In Israel, it is not unusual for guests to drop in for a visit without prior notice. In such cases, they are likely to get a light snack or impromptu meal. In anticipation of such contingencies, one such prepared dish is baba ghanouj, which can be found in virtually every Israeli refrigerator.
Ashkenazi Haroset
Haroset is a mixture of fruit, nuts, and wine, which are finely chopped or blended into a paste-like consistency. Haroset is meant to look like the mortar that the enslaved Israelites were forced to use to build Egyptian cities. However, Haroset tastes sweet, which reminds us that even in bitter times, we can always find something sweet in our lives and that bitter times are eventually followed by the sweetness of salvation.
Avocado Salad
Judging by its popularity, you would think that the avocado has been grown in Israel for many years. In fact, until recently, they were not grown in Israel at all. Today, the avocado is an Israeli favorite and avocado fields dot the countryside.
Baklava (Honey and Nut Pastry)
Baklava is a delicacy found throughout the Arab world. The Jews who came to Israel from Arab countries continue to prepare and enjoy the taste of baklava. This sweet pastry is sold in both Jewish and Arab markets, and comes in a multitude of varieties.
Blintzes (Shavout)
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.
Chicken Curry
After its independence, Israel discovered a new Jewish community -- the Cochin Jews of India. Tradition has it that these Jews were exiled to India after the destruction of the Second Temple. Though outwardly resembling Indians, the Cochin Jews maintain their distinctive tradition. One of their principal dishes is chicken curry which has now been incorporated into Israeli cuisine.
Sufganiyot (Doughnuts)
This special treat is served in every Israeli store, and sufganiyot (deep fried doughnuts) are consumed by all.
Sweet Round Challah
The traditional holiday and Sabbath bread called challah is usually braided all year long. On the High Holidays, we make the challah round instead in order to symbolize a whole and perfect year ahead of us.
Yom Kippur Recipe – Chicken Soup with Kreplach
As Yom Kippur is a fast day, we have a special meal before the observance that helps remind us of the true meaning of this holy day. Before the fast begins at sunset, we traditionally eat kreplach, meat-filled dumplings.
Spinach Jibben
This spinach and cheese casserole is another favorite for serving at Shavuot.
Shakshouka (Egg in Tomato Sauce)
A Sephardi favorite. No Middle Eastern restaurant menu is complete without it, though Hungarians also delight in this dish with the addition of lots of paprika. Leshakshek means "to shake" in Hebrew. Every cook from North Africa has his or her own personal version of this egg and tomato dish.
Salmon in a Puff Pastry
This non-meat version of lasagna and cheese make it a perfect recipe for serving during Shavuot.
Salad Simanim
Simanim is Hebrew for "omens." This salad incorporates many of the traditional foods eaten as good omens for the New Year.
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
This non-meat version of lasagna and cheese make it a perfect recipe for serving during Shavuot.
Malawach
Malawach is one of a number of dishes brought to Israel by the Jews from Yemen. The popularity of this versatile dish, which may be served with a variety of fillings and toppings, testifies to the love for Yemenite food which Israelis have acquired.
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.
Vegetable Salad
The idea of salad for breakfast is probably a little strange to North Americans. But this trademark Mediterranean salad is enjoyed by Israelis three times a day -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- regardless of whether they are from Russia, Morocco, Yemen, or the United States.
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