8 Traditional Kosher Recipes To Try Now

Kosher cooking is a cultural and traditional pillar of Jewish cuisine. The word "kosher" itself means "fit for use," referring to the diet that Jews are allowed to eat in accordance with ancient traditions: no pork or shellfish, no cross-contamination between meat and dairy products. You can try kosher food on your kosher vacations or prepare it at home. Here are selections of traditional kosher recipes, as well as some updated ones that take advantage of modern ingredients and cooking methods.

Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)

Sufganiyot are jelly donuts. The traditional filling is raspberry jam or strawberry jam, but there are many varieties of sufganiyot that have different fillings like chocolate, custard and even Nutella!

These are a traditional Hanukkah treat. They've been made for generations by Jewish families around the world, especially in Israel where they're popular street food.

Charoset (Apple, Date and Walnut Spread)

Charoset is a sweet, nutty apple and date spread that also contains wine or grape juice. It's often eaten alongside matzah during the Passover Seder as a symbol of mortar used by the Israelites to build bricks for Pharaoh's cities.

In Israel, charoset is made from sweet apples, dates, walnuts and wine, but in America it tends to be more similar to applesauce in texture. Charoset can be served with matzah or crackers as an appetizer at your Seder meal or as part of dessert later on in the evening—it even makes a tasty addition to pancakes!

Kneidlach (Matzo Balls)

Matzo balls are a traditional Jewish dish. They're made with matzo meal, eggs, and chicken broth; the mixture is then cooked in boiling water until it resembles a large dumpling.

Kneidlach (also spelled knaidel) are served in chicken soup or broth as a comfort food on cold winter days. You can make them ahead of time for easy reheating later on if you like—just drop them into boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes before serving!

Mini Meat Knishes

Mini Meat Knishes are a traditional Jewish food that's often served as an appetizer or snack. They are made of potatoes, ground meat (usually beef or veal), eggs, onions and seasonings; folded into a small crescent shape; then boiled before being baked in the oven.

One of the most important things to remember when making these knishes is using the right kind of potatoes: Russet potatoes have more starch than other types of potato so they hold up well when boiled or fried which makes them perfect for making this dish! You can also use sweet potatoes if you prefer their taste over russets but make sure that they're cooked through before adding any seasoning so that it doesn't come out too watery when baking later on--plus sweet potato has more natural sugar content so you'll notice it getting browner faster than regular white potatoes (also known as yam).

Kosher-for-Passover Bagels

Kosher for Passover bagels are a traditional Jewish treat that can be enjoyed during the holiday season. The recipe is simple and delicious, making it perfect for those who are new to cooking or need a quick breakfast on the go.

Bagels come in many different flavors, including sesame seed, poppy seed, onion and garlic. This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, water and yeast—all kosher-for-Passover ingredients!

Braised Brisket with Potatoes and Onions

Braising is a method of cooking in which the food is first browned, then simmered in liquid. This can be done on top of the stove or under a temperature-controlled lid. It's a great way to cook brisket, potatoes, onions and carrots—all of which are traditionally served with kishka.

Cinnamon Noodle Kugel (Kosher for Passover)

You're probably familiar with kugel, a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish that generally consists of egg noodles, cheese and onions. But there are many variations on this theme.

The best cinnamon noodle kugel recipe is made from layers of crispy-on-the-outside but soft-on-the-inside noodles topped with a sweet cinnamon sauce that gets its flavor from honey, brown sugar and cinnamon—and it's kosher for Passover!

Challah Apple Stuffing

The apples in this dish add a sweet, juicy element. They're also a traditional part of the Passover meal, as they are one of the seven spices that are allowed to be eaten during the holiday. The nuts add a nice crunch, while cinnamon adds a little spice and flavor! This stuffing is great on its own or as a side dish to any meat dish.