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Classic Potato Kugel

Classic Potato Kugel

Classic Potato Kugel is a beloved, crispy, and golden casserole that combines simple ingredients like grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasonings into a comforting dish with crispy edges and a tender inside. Perfect for family dinners or festive celebrations, this easy-to-make dish offers versatility, rich flavor, and a satisfying texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and grated
  • 1 large onion, peeled and grated
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup flour or matzo meal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup oil or schmaltz (chicken fat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onions: Peel and grate the potatoes and onions using a fine grater or food processor for best texture. After grating, squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to avoid a soggy kugel.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onions with beaten eggs, flour or matzo meal, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but do not overmix, ensuring even distribution to help the kugel hold together during baking.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish generously with oil or schmaltz to ensure a crispy, golden crust forms on the bottom and edges of your kugel.
  4. Bake the Kugel: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 75 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy, and the inside is cooked through.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the kugel to cool slightly before slicing to help it set. Serve warm with garnishes like chopped fresh herbs, sour cream, or applesauce as desired.

Notes

  • Dry the potatoes well to achieve that coveted crispy texture.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Idaho for ideal binding and fluffiness.
  • Do not overmix to avoid a dense kugel.
  • Use a generous coating of oil in the baking dish for a crunchy golden crust.
  • Let the kugel rest before cutting to hold its shape and enable clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Potato Kugel, Jewish recipe, crispy potato casserole, classic kugel, Passover kugel, comfort food