At The Nosher, we know that the kitchen is a source of comfort. So, this year, we worked hard to provide you with delicious respite during difficult, dark moments — and recipes fit for a celebration to mark the good times. From a 30-minute rugelach recipe to an airy Moroccan apricot cake; a lighter, brighter take on kugel to a hearty chicken fricassee, you’ll find a recipe for every season, mood and taste.
1. One-Bowl Russian Apple Cake
This apple sharlotka recipe is iconic. Its 5-star rating speaks to the ease, nostalgia and comfort of this one-bowl bake, perfect for Rosh Hashanah or anytime you feel the urge to whip up something sweet.
2. Iraqi Apricot Meatballs
Readers can’t get enough of this easy Iraqi apricot meatball recipe with a 2,000-year-old history. It’s a brighter take on the sweet-and-sour meatballs many American Jews were raised on, with familiar flavors that appeal to, basically, everyone.
3. Quick, Israeli-Style Rugelach
Noshers love a hack, and these 3-ingredient rugelach made with store-bought Yemenite malawach (check the freezer aisle of your local kosher market or Shop Rite) instead of made-from-scratch dough come together in 30 minutes.
The Nosher celebrates the traditions and recipes that have brought Jews together for centuries. Donate today to keep The Nosher's stories and recipes accessible to all.
4. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Brisket
There is never a bad time for brisket, in our humble opinion, and this recipe is particularly appealing for its no-fuss prep: Throw everything in a Crock Pot and return, 4-10 hours later, to fall-apart meat and tender veggies.
5. Moroccan Apricot Cake
You went wild for this light, airy sponge cake flavored with orange blossom water, citrus and apricot this Passover (and that gorgeous rose-shaped baking pan!). Remember, though, that pellebe is traditionally also served on birthdays and other celebrations, as well as to begin or break the Yom Kippur fast.
6. Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken
One-pan chicken dinners are always a winner in our book, especially when they have a sweet, hyper-local history like this teriyaki chicken.
7. Chicken Fricassee
This recipe sent readers on a trip down memory lane, with many comments like: “Love this! I could almost be taste it just while reading the recipe!” Packed with chicken wings, gizzards, meatballs and potatoes, this dish will fill your belly and your soul.
8. Vegetarian Mushroom-Barley Soup
“It’s remarkable how just a handful of ingredients — celery, onion, carrots, mushrooms, barley and water — can truly transform into something hearty and nourishing,” writes Shannon Sarna of this soup’s magical qualities. Plus, it freezes well, feeds a crowd and is great for a meal train.
9. Sephardi Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is pure comfort food, and this Sephardi version called sutlach is easy and adaptable: Serve it chilled or warm, and flavor it to your liking.
10. Spring Zucchini Kugel
Noshers never say no to a kugel, and this springtime zucchini kugel flavored with basil, mint and lemon zest brightened many of your tables this year.
