Sweet & Savory Delight: Pecan Noodle Kugel Recipes to Wow Your Guests
Kugel, a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish baked pudding, is a dish steeped in history and brimming with comfort. While often associated with sweet flavors, kugel boasts a surprising versatility, easily transitioning from a dessert to a savory side dish. This article focuses on the irresistible combination of textures and flavors found in Pecan Noodle Kugel, exploring both sweet and savory variations that are guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
What is Kugel? A Culinary Journey Through Tradition
Before diving into the pecan-infused goodness, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of kugel. The word “kugel” itself comes from the German word for “sphere” or “ball,” perhaps alluding to its original round shape. Early kugels were likely made with bread or flour and baked in a pot. Over time, noodles became the preferred base, and variations incorporating dairy, eggs, and sweet or savory ingredients emerged.
Traditionally served on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, kugel represents a celebration of community, family, and the simple pleasures of life. Its rich and satisfying nature makes it a welcome addition to any gathering.
The Allure of Pecan Noodle Kugel
What makes Pecan Noodle Kugel so special? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the soft, yielding noodles, the crunchy, buttery pecans, and the custardy, subtly sweet (or savory) base. The pecans provide a delightful counterpoint to the noodles, adding both nutty richness and satisfying crunch. The flavor profile can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences, making it a truly customizable dish.
Sweet Pecan Noodle Kugel: A Classic Dessert
This recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The addition of cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract creates a warm and comforting dessert that’s both decadent and surprisingly easy to make.
Sweet Pecan Noodle Kugel Recipe
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 pound wide egg noodles
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup milk
* 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Equipment:
* Large pot
* Colander
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Small bowl (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add Eggs and Dairy: Add the lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the wet ingredients. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly.
6. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecan halves.
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter for the topping. Mix until it forms a crumbly mixture.
8. Pour into Dish: Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the brown sugar-butter topping evenly over the noodle mixture.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the kugel is golden brown and set.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the kugel cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Pecan Noodle Kugel
* Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles will hold their shape better during baking.
* Use full-fat sour cream: Full-fat sour cream will give the kugel a richer and creamier texture.
* Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet kugel.
* Add raisins or other dried fruit: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruit to the noodle mixture.
* Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the kugel will enhance their flavor and crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* Let it rest: Allowing the kugel to rest for a few minutes after baking will help it to set and make it easier to slice.
Savory Pecan Noodle Kugel: A Delicious Side Dish
For those who prefer a less sweet option, a savory Pecan Noodle Kugel is an excellent choice. This variation incorporates cheese, herbs, and vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Savory Pecan Noodle Kugel Recipe
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 pound wide egg noodles
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Equipment:
* Large pot
* Colander
* Large skillet
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pepper is tender.
4. Combine Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, and milk.
6. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the wet ingredients.
7. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked and drained egg noodles, sautéed vegetables, cheese mixture, and pecan halves to the wet ingredients. Gently toss to combine everything evenly.
8. Pour into Dish: Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the noodle mixture.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the kugel is golden brown and set.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the kugel cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Tips for the Perfect Savory Pecan Noodle Kugel
* Use a variety of cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Gruyere, Swiss, or provolone would also be delicious in this kugel.
* Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the kugel, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
* Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the kugel. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.
* Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the noodle mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the kugel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* Add a protein: Adding cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken can turn this kugel into a main dish.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of kugel lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature Pecan Noodle Kugel.
* Spiced Pecan Noodle Kugel: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet or savory version for a touch of heat.
* Apple Pecan Noodle Kugel: Add diced apples to the sweet kugel for a fall-inspired treat. Consider using cinnamon-spiced applesauce in place of some of the sugar for extra apple flavor.
* Chocolate Pecan Noodle Kugel: Incorporate cocoa powder and chocolate chips into the sweet kugel for a decadent chocolate dessert.
* Mushroom and Gruyere Pecan Noodle Kugel: This savory variation is elevated with the addition of sautéed mushrooms and nutty Gruyere cheese.
* Sweet Potato Pecan Noodle Kugel: Use mashed sweet potato in place of some of the sour cream for a naturally sweet and vibrant kugel. Add warm spices like ginger and allspice.
Serving Suggestions
* Sweet Pecan Noodle Kugel: Serve warm or at room temperature as a dessert. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Savory Pecan Noodle Kugel: Serve warm as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, beef, or vegetables. It’s also a great addition to a brunch spread.
Storage Instructions
* Refrigerating: Store leftover kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* Freezing: Kugel can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Pecan Noodle Kugel is a versatile and delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you prefer the sweet and comforting classic or the savory and satisfying side dish, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of tradition with a nutty twist!