Passover Noodle Kugel Recipe

Passover Noodle Kugel is not your ordinary kugel. Given the restrictions on chametz (leavened and fermented grain products), this dish undergoes a delightful transformation, swapping the traditional noodles for a gluten-free alternative that’s just as satisfying. The essence of Passover Noodle Kugel lies in its beautiful contradiction – it’s incredibly simple to make, yet each bite is a complex symphony of flavors and textures that somehow seems to capture the spirit of Passover itself.

How to make Passover Noodle Kugel

Passover Noodle Kugel is a variation of a traditional Jewish dish called kugel, which is typically a baked pudding or casserole made with noodles or potatoes. During Passover (Pesach), observant Jews avoid chametz—leavened foods and products made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that have been allowed to rise.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gluten-free Passover noodles (look for kosher for Passover certification)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar, adjust based on your sweetness preference
• 16 ounces cottage cheese (full fat for creaminess)
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing the pan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (ensure it’s certified kosher for Passover)
• 1/2 cup raisins or diced apples (optional, but adds a lovely texture and natural sweetness)
• Cinnamon and sugar for topping before baking (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the gluten-free noodles according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time slightly as they will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined and slightly frothy. Add the cottage cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a smooth, unified batter. Fold in the cooked noodles (and raisins or apples if using), ensuring they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Bake: Transfer the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar for a crispy, flavorful crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the kugel is set in the middle and golden brown on top.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the kugel to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile and convenient for holiday gatherings.

Tips for Making the Perfect Passover Noodle Kugel

• Noodle Selection: To adhere to dietary restrictions, ensure your noodles are certified kosher for Passover. The texture of gluten-free noodles can vary, so it might be worth experimenting with different brands to find your preferred one.
• Customization: The beauty of kugel lies in its versatility. Feel free to add a personal touch with different fruits or even a sprinkle of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a deeper flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance, cooled, and then refrigerated. Reheat in the oven covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. If you plan to freeze it, wrap the dish well to avoid freezer burn, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quality of Dairy: Using full-fat dairy products will lend your kugel an irreplaceable richness and creaminess. However, if you’re looking to lighten it up, low-fat options can be substituted.
• Serving: Passover Noodle Kugel can be a side dish but also stands well on its own as a main for a lighter meal. It pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet complements.

What to serve with

Passover Noodle Kugel is typically sweet and creamy, and it complements its rich texture and flavor profile well with a variety of side dishes and main courses.

Main Courses

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: These are classic entrees for a holiday meal. The savory flavors of poultry are a delightful contrast to the sweet and dairy-forward kugel.
• Brisket: A succulent, slow-cooked brisket with a flavorful gravy is a traditional Jewish dish that pairs well with the milder kugel.
• Lamb: As a Passover staple, lamb—whether roasted or made into chops—complements the sweetness of a noodle kugel with its rich, robust flavor.

Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, or a medley of root vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs can add a healthy and colorful side to your table.
• Green Salad: Balance the creaminess of the kugel with a fresh green salad. Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
• Sauteed Spinach or Kale: Dark leafy greens sautéed with garlic and olive oil provide an earthy counterpoint to the sweet kugel.

Soups

• Matzo Ball Soup: Starting your meal with matzo ball soup is a quintessential Passover tradition that will complement the kugel served later in the meal.
• Vegetable Soup: A light and brothy vegetable soup with fresh dill and parsley can be a comforting beginning that won’t overpower the noodle kugel.

Other Sides

• Charoset: This sweet, fruity mixture is a vital part of the Passover Seder plate and can serve as a fitting side or condiment alongside kugel.
• Tsimmis: A traditional stewed dish made from carrots and dried fruits like prunes and can add a naturally sweet element to your table.
• Gefilte Fish: Often served as an appetizer, gefilte fish with horseradish provides a savory and tangy lead-in to the kugel.

Desserts

• Fresh Fruit: A simple fruit salad or sliced fruit like berries, apples, and citrus can cleanse the palate after a rich meal including kugel.
• Sorbet: If your meal is heavy, opt for a light, dairy-free sorbet; flavors like lemon or raspberry can offer a refreshing finish.
• Flourless Chocolate Cake: If you want to indulge in a decadent dessert, a slice of rich chocolate cake made without flour is both indulgent and Passover-friendly.

Ingredients Substitutes

Passover Noodle Kugel, traditionally made with egg noodles, sweet dairy ingredients, and sometimes fruit or nuts, requires adaptation for Passover observance due to restrictions on leavened products and certain grains.

Noodles

• Substitute: Use Passover-approved noodles, which can be made from potato starch, matzo meal, or other kosher for Passover flour alternatives. There are several brands that make Passover-friendly noodles suitable for kugel.
• Alternative: Spiralized vegetables (like zucchini) can offer a grain-free, healthier twist but will result in a dish with a different texture and flavor profile.

Dairy

• Substitute for Cottage Cheese/Sour Cream: Look for kosher for Passover versions of these dairy products. If unavailable, you can substitute with equivalent amounts of Passover-approved Greek yogurt or homemade cheese made from boiling milk and vinegar/lemon juice.
• Substitute for Cream Cheese: Use kosher for Passover cream cheese varieties. As an alternative, blend softened Passover-approved butter with Passover Greek yogurt to approximate the texture and fat content of cream cheese.

Sweeteners

• Substitute for Sugar: While regular granulated sugar is often considered kosher for Passover, you can also use honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as more natural sweetening options if preferred.

Final Thoughts

By combining these simple ingredients with a bit of love and attention, your Passover Noodle Kugel is bound to become a tradition that your family looks forward to year after year.