Ultimate Potato Kugel Delight
This Ultimate Potato Kugel Delight is a beloved classic, often served as a comforting side dish alongside pot roast and rich gravy. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it a versatile dish, perfect for Sunday brunch paired with fluffy scrambled eggs or as a hearty accompaniment to any dinner table. This kugel can be easily prepared ahead of time, as grated potatoes can be stored in cold water for up to three days, allowing you to save time and effort. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, a splash of cayenne pepper adds a delightful hint of spicy warmth. To achieve a lighter, fluffier texture, simply incorporate an extra egg and a teaspoon of baking powder. For Passover celebrations, feel free to substitute matzo meal in place of the flour. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body and soul with its rich flavors. Enjoy the warm aroma and crispy bites of this classic comfort food.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
7 (large, peeled and coarsely grated)
Onion
1 (medium, finely chopped)
All-purpose flour
1/4 (cup)
Eggs
2 (large, slightly beaten)
Seasoning salt or white salt
2 (teaspoons (or to taste))
Fresh ground black pepper
1-2 (teaspoons (to taste))
Oil
6 (tablespoons, divided (not olive oil))
Cayenne pepper
optional (to taste)
Baking powder
1 (teaspoon (optional, for fluffiness))
Matzo meal
substitute for flour during Passover
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and position the rack in the bottom third of the oven.
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish thoroughly. Pour about 3 tablespoons of oil into the bottom of the dish to prepare for crisping.
3
In a large bowl, grate the potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture using your hands. This step ensures a perfect texture in your kugel. Once drained, add the finely chopped onion to the potatoes.
4
Incorporate the flour, slightly beaten eggs, seasoning salt (or white salt), and fresh ground black pepper into the potato and onion mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined; hands work best for this task.
5
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
6
For extra crispiness, a key optional step is to heat the baking dish with the oil in the oven for about 6-8 minutes before adding the potato mixture. This will create a deliciously crispy bottom and sides.
7
Carefully spread the potato mixture evenly into the hot baking dish, taking caution as the dish will be hot. If opting out of preheating the pan, simply pour the mixture into the cold, greased baking dish.
8
Bake the potato kugel uncovered for approximately 1-1/4 hours, or until the top is beautifully browned and crispy. The longer you bake it, the crunchier it will become, so keep an eye on it to achieve your desired level of crispness.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Potato Kugel Delight?
It is a classic side dish featuring a crispy exterior and a tender interior, often served with pot roast or as part of a Sunday brunch.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 7 large potatoes, 1 medium onion, flour, eggs, oil, and seasonings like salt and black pepper.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
You will need 7 large potatoes that are peeled and coarsely grated.
Can I make this potato kugel for Passover?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe for Passover by substituting matzo meal in place of the all-purpose flour.
What is the best way to ensure the kugel has a crispy texture?
Squeeze out all excess moisture from the grated potatoes and preheat the oiled baking dish in the oven for 6-8 minutes before adding the mixture.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position the rack in the bottom third of the oven for the best results.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, grated potatoes can be stored in cold water for up to three days to save time.
How long can grated potatoes be stored before cooking?
They can be kept in cold water for up to three days.
What should I serve with potato kugel?
It pairs beautifully with pot roast and gravy, or with fluffy scrambled eggs for brunch.
Is this potato kugel recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make the kugel have a fluffier texture?
To achieve a lighter and fluffier texture, incorporate an extra egg and one teaspoon of baking powder into the mixture.
How do I add a spicy kick to the kugel?
You can add a splash of cayenne pepper for a delightful hint of spicy warmth.
What is the total baking time?
Bake the kugel uncovered for approximately 1-1/4 hours.
Should the kugel be covered while baking?
No, bake it uncovered to ensure the top becomes browned and crispy.
Why is it important to squeeze the potatoes?
Squeezing out excess moisture is a key step to ensure the kugel has the perfect texture and doesn't become too soggy.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of oil, but specifically notes not to use olive oil.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a different type of oil rather than olive oil.
How do I get a crispy bottom on the kugel?
Heat the baking dish with oil in the oven for 6-8 minutes before spreading the potato mixture into it.
How many eggs are required?
The standard recipe requires 2 large, slightly beaten eggs.
What kind of onion is used in this recipe?
Use one medium onion that has been finely chopped.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this kugel?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
It provides about 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do I know when the kugel is finished cooking?
The kugel is done when the top is beautifully browned and crispy.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the potato mixture?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference before baking.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder is an optional ingredient used to add fluffiness to the kugel's interior.
How do I achieve a crunchier kugel?
The longer you bake the kugel, the crunchier it will become, so you can leave it in the oven slightly longer to reach your desired level of crispness.