Exploring the Best Dishes in Ashkenazi Jewish Cuisine

Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that has evolved over centuries. Despite its traditional and often overlooked status, it offers a wealth of delicious and unique dishes. Let's dive into some of the best Ashkenazi dishes that every food enthusiast should try!

Matzo Ball Soup: A Classic Staple

Matzo ball soup stands tall as the undisputed champion among Ashkenazi dishes. These soft and pillowy dumplings, typically made from matzo meal, chicken broth, onion, eggs, and seasoning, are a comforting slurp that every visitor to a Jewish family should try. The best matzo balls are moist, fluffy, and delicious, making it a perfect dish for those seeking a warm and satisfying meal.

Latkes: Crispy and Craving-Inducing

Latkes, or potato pancakes, are another classic that comes in a close second. These fried, golden-browned potato and onion concoctions are often served with applesauce or sour cream. The key to perfect latkes is not to over-fry them, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether consumed as a quick snack or a hearty meal, latkes offer a delightful bite that can appeal to both adventurous and traditional eaters.

Bagels: The Everyday Staple

No Ashkenazi food celebration would be complete without mentioning the all-American favorite, the bagel. While it's often considered a mundane breakfast item, the traditional New York bagel, often enjoyed with schmear or smoked meats, is far from ordinary. Schmear, a thick and creamy spread made from sour cream and Jewish-style pickles, adds another layer of flavor to the already versatile bagel. Bagels symbolize comfort and everyday simplicity, making them a standout in any Ashkenazi meal.

Chopped Liver: A Culinary Delight

Among the more unique and delicious Ashkenazi dishes, chopped liver often takes center stage. This liver pate is typically mixed with onions and served with homemade challah, fresh pickles, and a beer. The right balance of chopped liver is key—a perfectly cooked mixture of softened organ meat, onions, and spices that mix together to create a flavor explosion. It's not for the faint of heart, but those who love a hearty, flavorful dish will find heaven in a well-prepared chopped liver.

Other Notable Ashkenazi Dishes

While matzo ball soup, latkes, and bagels are the stars, there are several other Ashkenazi dishes worth mentioning:

Gefilte Fish with Chrein

Geilfet fish, a fish dumpling, is often served with chrein, a spicy mustard sauce. This dish is polarizing but many find it delightful, especially when prepared with the right balance of flavors. It's a dish that evokes nostalgia and is perfect for those seeking a unique culinary experience.

Bagels with Schmear

Bagels are often paired with schmear, a creamy spread made from sour cream and pickles. While lox is a popular option, it's not a necessity. A plain bagel spread with schmear can be a delightful and simple lunch or breakfast option.

Kreplach

Kreplach are small pasta dumplings that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, or cheese. These are often served in soup and offer a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tcholent

A tcholent is a slow-cooked stew that typically includes meat, vegetables, and beans, sometimes served at a Yom Tov meal. It's a comfort food that warms the heart and soul.

Smoked Brisket

Smoked brisket is a slow-cooked beef dish that is often served with mustard and a variety of condiments. This dish is a staple at many Jewish family gatherings and barbecues.

Blintzes with Cream Cheese

Blintzes, thin pancakes, are often stuffed with a sweet filling such as fruit or a savory filling like cheese, and then served with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese. The combination of the delicate batter and the rich cream cheese makes it a delightful dish.

Perspectives on Ashkenazi Cuisine

While many dishes might be seen as stodgy or bland by some, the love for Ashkenazi cuisine often stems from a place of nostalgia and cultural identity. Even though some of these dishes might not be the most innovative or spicy, they are cherished for their comfort and the memories they evoke. Even those who aren't fond of the traditional dishes understand why they hold such a special place in the hearts of Ashkenazi communities.

While I may personally enjoy a variety of Ashkenazi dishes, there's no denying that some of them are more than a mere nostalgia trip. Take smoked brisket, for instance, which is a dish that, when cooked just right, is a symphony of flavors and textures that can truly transport you. Yet, I, like many others, would be hard-pressed to make it a daily meal, as I have a preference for spicier, more complex foods.

However, it's important to remember that each Ashkenazi family has its own stories and traditions, with some even more beloved than others. My grandmothers, for instance, had their own culinary styles. While my mother's mother was proud of her cooking, my maternal grandmother's attempts were often described as salty, overcooked, and stodgy. Nonetheless, family traditions often transcend mere food quality, making each dish a part of a larger tapestry of cultural heritage.

At the end of the day, Ashkenazi cuisine is just as varied and intriguing as any other culinary tradition. From the beloved matzo ball soup to the soul-warming kreplach, there is a richness and diversity to explore. So, the next time you find yourself in a kitchen or dining table with Ashkenazi food, take a moment to appreciate the story behind each dish and the heritage it represents.