My thoughts on Jewish food.
No Friday night meal is complete without chicken soup. That is, if one is Ashkenazi. And of course, chicken soup is folk medicine, too, having had its healing powers verified by the medical establishment. But not all the Jews went to Eastern Europe, and the Jews who ended up in Yemen, have their own healing …
The cold winter climate has us sluggish and wanting something to warm us that doesn’t take a whole lot of effort, and that, with any luck, will also make enough for leftovers, for a second sluggish day when we don’t feel like cooking. This savory and filling one-pot meal fits the bill. It has everything: …
Fact: sometimes you want an easy one-dish main course that doesn’t take hours to prepare. And sometimes you’re even lazier than that, and want a recipe that doesn’t call for a gazillion pots, pans, and utensils to clean. This pretty, parsley-flecked soup fits the bill, and it’s delicious to boot. Not to mention that it’s …
The British Independent has an article accusing Israel of the cultural appropriation of Shawarma, using an article in the far-left Israeli newspaper Haaretz as proof. Haaretz called the rotisserie meat sandwich in a pita, “an iconic Israeli street food.” Popular Twitter account @TheMossadIL, on the other hand, points out that fully half of Israel’s population …
We know that vegetables are important, but we can get awfully sick of eating the same dull veggies, week in and week out. One way to tempt jaded palates is with a flavorful, crunchy garnish. Crispy shallot rings are the perfect addition to green beans or salads, and well, just about any savory dish. Try …
Chickpeas are a traditional treat to serve at a Shalom Zachor, a sweet little party given in honor of the birth of a baby boy, held the first Friday night after the birth, with or without the guest of honor. Sumac, a Middle Eastern spice unrelated to the poisonous plant, offers an herbal piquancy to …
The immersion blender is possibly the cook’s best friend, allowing you to churn a chunky soup into a creamy blend in seconds, without any need to transfer, by small increments, hot liquids to a machine. You just stick the wand into your pot and voilà, you’ve got cream of whatever. Our favorite “whatever” of late …
Shashuka is a full-flavored Mediterranean poached egg dish. You make a quick sauce with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, with lots of olive oil, of course. Then you poach the eggs right in the skillet, just before serving. Marvelous with good bread to mop up that amazing sauce. You don’t need anything else. Easy Shakshuka …
Now that winter is really here, our thoughts turn to comfort food to warm both hearts and bellies. This chocolate applesauce cake fits the bill, with or without the luscious chocolate icing. A great cake to snack on during a short winter Shabbat afternoon, or any time at all! Make it parve or milchig, depending …
If you’ve been following this column, low-carb is a thing for me. This makes Chanuka a challenge. But I think I’ve solved it with these awesome zucchini fritters. I made potato latkes for the rest of the family and these babies for me, and everyone was gobbling MY zucchini fritters. They’re that good. Note that …