The weather is cooling down, it’s getting darker earlier and earlier and its definitely the season for getting cozy with comfort food. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, this list of classic Jewish foods will get you excited for staying inside and cuddling up with delicious dishes.
Chicken Soup
There’s nothing more satisfying or comforting than chicken soup. Plus, it’s scientifically proven to be good for you so now is a great time to make a big pot of classic chicken soup with matzah balls. You could also take this opportunity to try your hand at homemade kreplach. Or try one of these chicken soup variations:
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Yemenite Overnight Chicken Soup
Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)
Babka
Babka! So delicious, so versatile. If you’ve never made babka before, watch our quick tutorial for how to shape it. Or check out this fun food illustration which is also helpful. Here’s a few babka recipes that we love:
Sambousek
Almost every culture has their own dumplings or pockets, and sambousek are the glorious Syrian version. I’ve most often had them with cheese, but you can also make them with spinach, veggies, or meat. They freeze well and are such a delightful snack or lunch.
Coffee Cake or Pound Cake
Make a pot of coffee, cozy up with a magazine or your email inbox, and enjoy a fresh slice of coffee cake or pound cake. There’s something just so Jewish about this combination. A few of our favorite recipes:
Everything-Flavored Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels just scream a day-at-home baking project to me. Perhaps it’s cause my mom used to buy us those frozen boxes of pretzels when we were kids, or maybe it’s just because it’s a baking project that doesn’t require hours and hours of prep. Either way, soft pretzels are a relatively easy baking project to try, made even more fun by topping them with everything bagel spice, za’atar, sprinkles, or any other fun stuff you have around.
Kugel
What’s more comforting than noodles or potatoes baked into a casserole? Um, literally nothing. And there’s no shortage of kugels to try. Here are a few favorites:
Stuffed Cabbage
Always wanted to make stuffed cabbage just like bubbe’s? Seize the day and try our classic recipe — theres’s even a video to follow along! Plus if it makes you gassy, at least you won’t be around too many people. We also love this Passover-friendly version.
Kubaneh
If you love challah or other doughy-bready things (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t!?) then it’s time to give kubaneh a try. Kubaneh is a slow-cooked, flaky bread traditionally served on Shabbat morning alongside hard-boiled eggs and grated tomatoes. It’s flaky, doughy, pull-apart deliciousness.
Rugelach
What goes great with some deep breaths and a cup of tea? Homemade rugelach. Try Joan Nathan’s classic rugelach and have fun experimenting with different filling combinations. Personally I love a good raspberry jam paired with mini chocolate chips. Feeling feisty? Try my favorite pizza-flavored rugelach or my friend Samantha’s herb and cheese rugelach.
Header image photo credits Nicole Lizukaand Sandy Leibowitz.
