Jerusalem Kugel
Jerusalem Kugel is a rich, sweet and savory noodle dish with caramelized sugar, perfect for festive occasions or as a unique side that delights the palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place 1 teaspoon salt in about 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside in a saucepan.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the cooking oil and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Stir constantly until the sugar turns very dark, almost black, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Pour hot caramel into the cooked pasta immediately and mix well.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the pasta before mixing in the caramel. If you prefer a sweeter kugel, increase the sugar slightly. You can substitute capellini with thin egg noodles or even gluten-free pasta if necessary. Adjust the black pepper and cinnamon according to your taste for a more personalized flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jerusalem Kugel warm as a delightful side dish or a sweet treat. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Roasted Garlic And Almond Dip or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a protein like roasted chicken or a vegetarian option like Vicky'S Spinach Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the kugel in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but they may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerusalem Kugel contains roughly 751 calories, with 10g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Jerusalem Kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Jerusalem Kugel a day in advance. After mixing the cooked pasta with the caramel, cover and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the dish.
What if I don't have capellini spaghetti?
If capellini is unavailable, you can use thin egg noodles as a substitute. Alternatively, gluten-free pasta options work well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve an al dente texture.
Is Jerusalem Kugel suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Jerusalem Kugel is a vegetarian dish, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegetarian diet. It contains no meat, and you can enhance the dish by serving it with other vegetarian recipes for a wholesome meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).