Potato Kugel

Potato kugel is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish food that is usually eaten on Shabbos and holidays.

While no one knows exactly when potato kugel was created, it was probably developed sometime within the last few hundred years.

Potatoes were brought to Europe from the New World i.e. the Americas in the 1500s. However, potatoes didn't become a popular food until the 18th and 19th century.

Since potatoes are so cheap and easy to grow, and so nutritious, there was an effort to make them popular among peasants.

This effort eventually worked and potatoes became a staple in Ireland, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

And while we don't know potato kugel was first created, it is almost certain it was created after potatoes became a staple, which would have been around the 1800s.

Potato latkes were probably created around the same time.

Today, potato kugel is the most popular of all the kugels, but it is not the only one. Noodle kugel and broccoli kugel are also very popular kugels.

And Yerushalmi kugel is at least as popular as potato kugel in Israel. In fact, I don't think I've been to a kiddish in Israel that didn't serve both.

Adjusting for a Convection Oven

Convection ovens blow the hot air around, producing around 25 to 30 percent more heat.

Since convection ovens produce more heat, you need either lowering the temperature or shortening the cooking time to compensate.

When recipes specify temperatures and cooking times, it’s for conventional ovens, unless specified otherwise.

A simple rule to follow is to lower the temperature by 25ºF or 14ºC when baking cookies and pies, and 50ºF or 28ºC when roasting meat and poultry. Some convection ovens offer separate settings for baking and for roasting.

You can also leave the temperature the same and instead, shorten the cooking time by 25 percent. For example, if your recipe calls for 60 minutes in the oven, check the food after 45 minutes instead.

However, keep in mind, some convection ovens actually make a heat adjustment for you. That is, if you set a convection oven for 350ºF, it might actually set itself to 325ºF to compensate. So, check your manual before making adjustments.

TROUBLESHOOTING

WHY IS IT TAKING LONGER THAN DESCRIBED TO BAKE?

Over time, the thermostat on ovens gets a little off, causing some ovens to run hot and others to run cool. 

This is why recipes tend to say things like “10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.” 

So, if it takes you longer than expected, that’s fine, don’t worry about it. Just keep baking until ready.

WHY DID MY RECIPE COME OUT TOO DRY?

Just like some ovens run cool, others run hot.  If your oven runs hot, bake these at a lower temperature. 

Ideally, you should get an oven thermometer to know what temperature you’re really baking at.

Can I make Ahead of Time?

Sure, especially since kugel is usually served cold. You could make up to 5 days in advance.

How to store

Once it has cooled, cover well with tinfoil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to five days.

After that, it may still be good to eat, but the quality will begin to degrade.

Can I freeze potato kugel?

I wouldn't recommend it because I haven't had much luck freezing and defrosting potatoes.

If you've had success freezing potato kugels before, please comment and let me know!