There’s something irresistible about strolling into a Jewish deli for lunch. The little plastic baskets piled with everything from a steaming Reuben to a chilled bowl of sauerkraut, the mouthwatering aroma of grilled onions and that unmistakable sheen of oil on, well, everything — it’s a true delight.
But let’s be honest, we all have those days when we’re too hungover, dealing with a botched eyebrow wax, or battling yet another cold sore (seriously, the second time this month??). On those days, even the deli around the corner feels like a step too far.
If you ever find yourself in the same boat, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with the best recipes for recreating those deli-level dishes right in your own kitchen.
Stuffed Cabbage
First things first: stuffed cabbage. There are countless ways to make it, but for some reason, every deli seems to have settled on the same version. Not so at home. You’ve got options! You can whip it up in the traditional way, but if your semi-colon eyebrows are leaving you down in the dumps, I recommend the Instant Pot version for more immediate satisfaction.
Latkes
Latkes are another deli must-have. While they may not steal the show entirely, there’s something about a crispy, golden, oil-laden latke that’s irresistibly appetite-stimulating. If memories of your house smelling like a frying frenzy for three weeks — or latkes disintegrating in the pan — have you hesitant to try making them at home, don’t worry! Our tried-and-true recipe guarantees mouthwatering latkes every time.
Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls
The misery of a bad eyebrow wax and the dread of a head cold feel pretty much the same to me — and both call for a dose of Jewish penicillin: a steaming bowl of matzah ball soup.
Vegetarian Matzah Ball Soup
Matzah ball soup is the perfect way to start any deli experience — and in my opinion, it’s one of those dishes that’s often better when made at home. Unlike pastrami or a Reuben, matzah ball soup just has a more comforting, homemade flavor. Check out our extremely delicious vegetarian version that will give any deli a run for its money.
Strawberry Blintzes
Blintzes are a great addition to your homemade deli repertoire because they’re versatile and perfect for sharing at the table. Of course, if you’re feeling too low-energy to throw on your sunglasses and head to the deli, you could always go for the frozen version from Trader Joe’s. But if you’ve got 45 minutes and want to show your mother-in-law YOU DO KNOW HOW TO MAKE THINGS, be sure to try our blintz recipe — a time-honored classic that has withstood generations.
Sweet Noodle Kugel
The sweet dairy noodle kugel is a beloved Jewish-American comfort food for a reason, and on days when you can’t muster the energy to get to the deli, comfort is what you need! This is perhaps one of the simplest kinds of kugels to make, with egg noodles, cheese, butter, eggs and fruit or vanilla for seasoning. You can choose to top it with a couple of cups of cornflakes to give it a bit of crunch.
Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich
If the idea of a half-pound, tangy, savory, gooey sandwich wrapped in parchment paper doesn’t get you out of the house, you are definitely in a bad place. But don’t worry — you won’t be disappointed with our Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich recipe, featuring seitan and, of course, Russian dressing. For an extra touch, try making your own sauerkraut using our classic recipe (below).
Pickles
Before diving into something sweet, every foodie knows you need a proper palate cleanser. And no, I’m not talking about a simple scoop of sorbet — I’m talking about something just as tangy. A pickle! Try our dill pickle recipe for the perfect refresh.
Egg Cream
And now, the grand finale: YES, you can (and should) make your own egg cream at home. Why? It’s quick — literally 5 minutes — it’s delicious (of course), and you can enjoy it in your bathrobe while treating yourself to a hair mask and depuffing gel under your eyes.
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