This is not your bubbe’s noodle kugel.
Kugel, a traditional Jewish baked pudding or casserole, is a beloved dish often served during festive gatherings and holidays.
Typically made with egg noodles, this recipe takes a delightful twist by using sweet potato noodles, bringing a unique and healthier dimension to this cherished classic.
If you have no idea who or what a bubbe is, then there is also a chance that you’re scratching your head over what exactly kugel is.
Allow me to enlighten you (although I’m hardly the best person to educate you about Jewish tradition; we celebrated Hanukkah for a handful of years during my childhood in recognition of my dad’s side of the family, but we never made Jewish food or went to temple).
Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish baked casserole consisting of egg noodles, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, and raisins.
I know.
It sounds completely bizarre if you’ve never heard of it, but trust me… it is delicious! Just think bread or rice pudding with noodles instead of bread or rice ;).
Despite the fact that kugel is not the food most associated with Hanukkah – that spot is reserved for latkes – I’m sharing this non-traditional version with you.
Classic noodle kugel has zero redeeming qualities when it comes to nutrition. Loads of butter, full fat cottage cheese & sour cream, and a ton of sugar do not a healthy side dish make. I guess one could argue that the eggs (protein) and raisins (fruit) are healthy additions, but overall the sweet dish is pretty indulgent.
For my version, I cut way down on the butter and sugar, used 0% fat Greek yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, added nutrient-packed sweet potato puree, and subbed in apple juice-sweetened dried cranberries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes allowed me to use a mere 1/4 cup sugar, and the resulting kugel is just sweet enough for my taste buds. I love the tart bite from the dried cranberries, but you can omit them if you prefer.
Here’s to new traditions!
| Name: | Sweet Potato Noodle Kugel |
|---|---|
| Cuisine: | Jewish |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time: | 50 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings: | 10 servings |
| Yield: | 1 9×13-inch baking dish |
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes, spiralized into noodles
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
Spiralize Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Using a spiralizer, turn them into noodle-like shapes. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips.
Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Combine Ingredients
Add the sweet potato noodles, raisins, and chopped nuts to the egg mixture. Gently toss until the sweet potato noodles are evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sweet potato noodles are tender.
Cool and Serve
Allow the kugel to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.
Enjoy!
Serve this delightful sweet potato noodle kugel as a side dish or a main course for a unique and delicious twist on a traditional favorite.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s always a good practice to calculate nutrition based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Sweet Potato Noodle Kugel!
“Savor the rich flavors of tradition with a modern twist in Sweet Potato Noodle Kugel. This delightful Jewish classic gets a healthy upgrade by swapping traditional noodles for spiralized sweet potatoes. The result? A delectable, golden-brown pudding adorned with raisins and nuts, offering a delightful blend of taste and nutrition for any occasion.”
