ππ₯π₯ Apple Matzoh Kugel π₯π
Apple Matzoh Kugel is a delicious Jewish dish often enjoyed during Passover, a holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It’s a sweet and comforting casserole-like dessert that combines the symbolic unleavened matzoh bread with apples and other ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at its history, components, preparation, and cooking time:
π History:
Matzoh Kugel has its roots in Jewish cuisine, where matzoh (unleavened bread) plays a significant role during Passover. Passover traditions include abstaining from leavened bread, and creative recipes like Matzoh Kugel were developed to make the holiday meals more interesting and tasty.
π₯ Components:
- 4 matzoh sheets
- 4-5 medium-sized apples (typically Granny Smith)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (usually walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
π©βπ³ Preparation Steps:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inches is typical) with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
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Soak Matzoh: Break the matzoh sheets into small pieces and soak them in a bowl of warm water until they become soft but not mushy. Drain the excess water.
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Peel and Slice Apples: Peel and thinly slice the apples. You can use a food processor to speed up the process.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined. Add the vegetable oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Fold in the soaked matzoh pieces, sliced apples, raisins (if using), and chopped nuts.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the kugel is set.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy Apple Matzoh Kugel warm or at room temperature. It’s often sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey for extra sweetness.
β° Cooking Time:
The preparation time for Apple Matzoh Kugel is approximately 20-25 minutes, and the baking time is around 45-50 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 5-10 minutes from start to finish.
This delicious dish combines the symbolism of Passover with the flavors of apples and cinnamon to create a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed during the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, comforting treat. Enjoy! ππ₯π₯π½οΈ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Matzoh Kugel:
π Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 45-55mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Vitamin C: 4-6% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 2-4% of Daily Value
- Iron: 6-8% of Daily Value
π Health Information:
- Moderate Calories: Apple Matzoh Kugel is moderately calorie-dense, making it a satisfying dessert option.
- Moderate Fat: It contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from the vegetable oil and nuts. Most of the fat is unsaturated, which can be heart-healthy.
- Low in Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is relatively low, which is good for heart health.
- Moderate Sugar: It is moderately sweet due to the added sugar and natural sugars from apples. Consuming it in moderation is advisable for those watching their sugar intake.
- Source of Fiber: The dish contains some dietary fiber from apples and matzoh, which can aid in digestion.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It provides a small amount of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, it’s not a significant source of these nutrients.
While Apple Matzoh Kugel is a delightful dessert with moderate nutritional content, it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are following a specific dietary plan or have dietary restrictions. It’s best to complement it with a balanced diet to ensure you’re meeting all your nutritional needs.
