Traditional kugel

Can be adapted for Passover

A kugel is a kind of sweet or savory pudding made of noodles, potatoes or matzah. It is often a symbol of sweetness and unity in the Jewish faith.

I love a good noodle kugel and this one is the very best. I make it every chance I get. I even entered it into a kugel baking competition; it came in second place to another kugel that tasted a lot like mac and cheese — so who can argue with that?

I have been able to adapt this recipe with noodles for Rosh Hashanah or matzah for Passover. Either way, it is incredible.

Traditional noodle kugel (Photo by Suzan Hauptman)

Traditional kugel (noodle pudding)
Makes 12 servings

Oven Temperature: 350 F

Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients:
1-pound package egg noodles
10 eggs, whites only
¼ cup vegetable oil
5 large apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup sugar
1 can fruit cocktail
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 12-ounce jar apricot preserves
1 cup raisins

Instructions:
• Spray a large baking pan with cooking spray or coat it lightly with oil (not from ingredient list)

• Boil noodles as directed on package

• Drain noodles and place them in a large mixing bowl

• Whisk the eggs just to combine (they do not need to be frothy)

• Drain the can of fruit cocktail

• Add all other ingredients, except the eggs, and mix together

• Add the eggs and mix well

• Pour mixture into the pan

• Bake covered for 45 minutes and uncovered for 15 minutes or until top is golden brown

Notes:

1. If you want to make the same recipe for Passover, just substitute 10 matzah sheets for the noodles (wet them and dry them before adding to the mixing bowl).

2. You can substitute no yolk noodles or gluten-free noodles if you prefer.

3. You can use any color raisin.

4. If your apples are on the small side, just increase the number by 2 or 3.

5. Most ingredients are to taste, so you can always add more fruit, cinnamon, preserves, etc.

6. This is a very forgiving recipe. PJC

This recipe is included in Suzan Hauptman’s “The Cabin Cookbook: A collection of cozy recipes when you have all day or just a few minutes,” available on Amazon.com. She lives in Pittsburgh.