Recipes

Blintzes (Shavout)

Throughout the Western world people eat crepe suzettes. Blintzes are the Jewish eastern European version of the French treat. The word "blintz" comes from a Ukrainian word meaning "pancake." The Israeli bent on having a light meal in the evening, after a theater performance or movie, will choose from among a number of specialty restaurants serving this delicacy with a choice of several different fillings.

Chicken Curry

After its independence, Israel discovered a new Jewish community -- the Cochin Jews of India. Tradition has it that these Jews were exiled to India after the destruction of the Second Temple. Though outwardly resembling Indians, the Cochin Jews maintain their distinctive tradition. One of their principal dishes is chicken curry which has now been incorporated into Israeli cuisine.

Sufganiyot (Doughnuts)

This special treat is served in every Israeli store, and sufganiyot (deep fried doughnuts) are consumed by all.

Yom Kippur Recipe - Chicken Soup with Kreplach

As Yom Kippur is a fast day, we have a special meal before the observance that helps remind us of the true meaning of this holy day. Before the fast begins at sunset, we traditionally eat kreplach, meat-filled dumplings.

Sweet Round Challah

The traditional holiday and Sabbath bread called challah is usually braided all year long. On the High Holidays, we make the challah round instead in order to symbolize a whole and perfect year ahead of us.

Spinach Jibben

This spinach and cheese casserole is another favorite for serving at Shavuot.

Shakshouka (Egg in Tomato Sauce)

A Sephardi favorite. No Middle Eastern restaurant menu is complete without it, though Hungarians also delight in this dish with the addition of lots of paprika. Leshakshek means "to shake" in Hebrew. Every cook from North Africa has his or her own personal version of this egg and tomato dish.

Salmon in a Puff Pastry

This non-meat version of lasagna and cheese make it a perfect recipe for serving during Shavuot.

Salad Simanim

Simanim is Hebrew for "omens." This salad incorporates many of the traditional foods eaten as good omens for the New Year.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

This non-meat version of lasagna and cheese make it a perfect recipe for serving during Shavuot.

Malawach

Malawach is one of a number of dishes brought to Israel by the Jews from Yemen. The popularity of this versatile dish, which may be served with a variety of fillings and toppings, testifies to the love for Yemenite food which Israelis have acquired.

Tzimmes

Tzimmes is any kind of sweet stew. It usually is orange in color, and includes carrots, sweet potatoes and/or prunes. A wide variety of dishes fall under the heading tzimmes.