Sweet Noodle Kugel: A Decadent Jewish Comfort Food Recipe

Sweet Noodle Kugel, also known as Lokshen Kugel, is a classic Ashkenazi Jewish dish. It’s a baked noodle pudding, often served as a side dish or dessert, that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. This recipe leans toward the sweet side, featuring a creamy custard base, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for holidays, Shabbat dinners, or anytime you’re craving a little bit of nostalgic goodness.

What is Kugel?

Kugel, derived from the German word for ‘sphere’ or ‘ball,’ refers to a baked pudding. Kugels can be savory or sweet and are often made with noodles, potatoes, or bread. Sweet noodle kugel is a beloved variation, particularly popular in Jewish communities. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food Classic:** This recipe is a hug in a pan. The combination of creamy noodles, sweet custard, and warm spices is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** While it requires a bit of time to bake, the preparation is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** Kugel is traditionally made in a large baking dish, making it ideal for serving a crowd.
* **Adaptable:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Kugel can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great option for busy cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Egg Noodles:** 1 pound wide egg noodles are the standard choice. Use the wide variety for the best texture.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted. Butter adds richness and flavor to the kugel.
* **Cottage Cheese:** 1 pound full-fat cottage cheese. Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can use small curd or large curd, depending on your preference. Drain any excess liquid before using.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup full-fat sour cream. Sour cream adds moisture and tanginess to the kugel. Greek yogurt can be substituted for a slightly tangier flavor.
* **Eggs:** 4 large eggs. Eggs bind the ingredients together and create a custard-like texture.
* **Sugar:** 1 cup granulated sugar. Sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a golden-brown crust.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the kugel. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Raisins:** 1 cup raisins. Raisins add sweetness and chewy texture to the kugel. Golden raisins or other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried apricots can also be used.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon salt. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional Toppings:** Cornflake crumbs, streusel topping, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot:** For cooking the noodles.
* **Colander:** For draining the noodles.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the kugel.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Mixing Spoon or Spatula:** For mixing the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect sweet noodle kugel:

**Step 1: Cook the Noodles**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Do not overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Return the drained noodles to the pot or a large bowl.

**Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.

**Step 3: Combine Noodles and Custard**

1. Pour the custard mixture over the cooked noodles.
2. Add the raisins.
3. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the custard and distribute the raisins throughout.

**Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Kugel**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
5. (Optional) Sprinkle the top with cornflake crumbs, streusel topping, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the kugel is golden brown and set. The center should be firm, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

**Step 5: Cool and Serve**

1. Remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Kugel can be served warm or at room temperature.
3. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Kugel

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Al dente noodles are key to preventing a mushy kugel. They will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Use Full-Fat Dairy:** Full-fat cottage cheese and sour cream contribute to the richness and creaminess of the kugel. Low-fat versions may result in a drier texture.
* **Drain Cottage Cheese:** Excess liquid in the cottage cheese can make the kugel watery. Drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
* **Mix Gently:** Avoid overmixing the noodle mixture, as this can make the kugel tough.
* **Check for Doneness:** The kugel is done when it is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allowing the kugel to cool slightly before serving will help it to set and make it easier to cut.
* **Add a Topping:** A topping of cornflake crumbs, streusel, or cinnamon sugar adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking with these variations and add-ins:

* **Dried Fruits:** Substitute or add other dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or chopped dates.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
* **Applesauce:** Add 1/2 cup of applesauce to the custard mixture for a boost of moisture and flavor.
* **Pineapple:** Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained well) for a tropical twist.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate kugel.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Savory Kugel:** For a savory version, omit the sugar and cinnamon and add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet noodle kugel is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve kugel alongside roasted chicken, brisket, or other main courses.
* **As a Dessert:** Enjoy kugel as a sweet treat after a meal.
* **For Brunch:** Kugel is a great addition to a brunch spread.
* **For Holidays:** Kugel is a traditional dish served during Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.
* **Make Ahead:** Kugel is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and bake it just before serving. Store the unbaked kugel in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat kugel in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freeze:** Kugel can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Sweet Noodle Kugel Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for sweet noodle kugel:

**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound wide egg noodles
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 pound full-fat cottage cheese
* 1 cup full-fat sour cream
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 cup raisins
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional Toppings: Cornflake crumbs, streusel topping, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked noodles and raisins to the custard mixture. Gently toss to coat.
5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
6. (Optional) Sprinkle the top with cornflake crumbs, streusel topping, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
7. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Enjoy Your Homemade Sweet Noodle Kugel!

This recipe brings a taste of tradition to your table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, sweet noodle kugel is sure to please. This versatile and easy-to-make dish will become a family favorite for generations to come. The sweet creamy custard mixed with the soft noodles is a symphony of flavors and textures in your mouth. The kugel is filling and satisfying. This dish can be served as a side or as a dessert, depending on your preference. The possibilities are endless when it comes to kugels. Enjoy!