What Food Do Judaism Eat?
Jewish cuisine is closely associated with the traditional dietary laws that are set out in the Torah, and with many customs and practices related to food. Kosher food is food that has been prepared according to Jewish law. Jewish dietary laws forbid the consumption of certain foods and dictate that others are to be prepared in particular ways. These laws, called Kashrut, regulate the types of food that Jews can eat and also explain how such food must be prepared.
Kosher foods, for instance, must be prepared in accordance with laws set out in the Torah. There are several basic laws that must be adhered to for food to be considered kosher. The consumption of most non-kosher foods is strictly forbidden, and certain types of kosher foods must always be prepared in specific ways. For example, animal products must only be taken from animals slaughtered in a specific manner, and milk and meat must not be combined. Further, the consumption of certain insects and marine life is forbidden, as are certain types of birds and animals considered as scavengers.
In addition to these laws governing the types of foods that are and are not allowed to be eaten, there are separate rules regarding how certain kinds of food should be prepared. For instance, kosher fish must be scaled before it is cooked, and certain kinds of poultry need to be soaked and salted prior to cooking.
The traditional diets of Jews vary depending on the area where they are living. For example, Ashkenazi Jews, who come from Eastern and Central Europe, generally follow a dairy-based diet, as meat and dairy products do not have to be eaten separately. Sephardic Jews, on the other hand, who are from the Middle East, generally follow a meat-based diet, as dairy and meat can be eaten in the same meal.
Baked and Fried Foods
Jews often eat a variety of baked and fried foods. Matzo brei, for example, is a traditional Ashkenazi breakfast dish that is composed of matzo (unleavened bread) that is fried in oil and served with eggs, applesauce, or jam. Potato pancakes, otherwise referred to as latkes, are also a popular dish that is often served during feasts and holiday celebrations.
The most popular fried dish among Sephardic Jews is burekas, which are pastries usually filled with cheese, spinach, mashed potato, or ground beef. Bourekas are typically made from flaky dough, such as phyllo or strudel dough. Another popular fried dish is sfenj, which is a type of doughnut made with either yeast or baking powder.
Soups, Stews and Salads
Soups, stews and salads are also popular in Jewish cuisine. Soups such as chicken soup or matzah ball soup are common staples in Jewish households, as are hearty vegetable-based stews like Goulash or Cholent. Salads are also popular side dishes, such as the Israeli salad made with diced vegetables, or the traditional Jewish-style potato salad usually served during Passover.
Kugels, Challah and Other Breads
Kugels, otherwise referred to as baked egg noodles pudding, is another popular item in Jewish cuisine. It is made by baking egg noodles with either meat, vegetables or a combination of both and served as either a side dish or main course.
Challah, the Jewish Sabbath bread, is the most widely-eaten bread in Jewish households. This braided egg bread is often served with dips or in sandwiches and rolls. Other breads such as pita and bagels are also popular items in Jewish cuisine.
Meats and Poultry
Meats and poultry are a large part of Jewish cuisine, although the types of meat that are eaten can vary by region and culture. Chicken, beef and lamb are all common in Jewish cooking and recipes usually involve roasting, grilling, or oven-baking. Many Jewish dishes also feature organ meats such as gizzards, livers, and hearts.
Poultry is also a popular item in Jewish cuisine. The Sabbath roasts, such as a chicken or goose, are ubiquitous on the Shabbat table. Delicacies such as hallah and kishke, which is a combination of beef fat and flour that is slow-cooked with spices and usually served on its own or as part of a stews or casseroles, are also popular among Jewish households.
Dairies and Yossels
Dairy products such as cream, butter and cheese are also integral parts of Jewish cuisine. Cheesecakes, cookies, and pastries are all traditionally eaten, as are dishes like gefilte fish with horseradish and cream cheese sandwiches.
Savory and sweet yossels are also popular. Savory yossels are small pouches made with mashed potatoes and usually filled with a mixture of minced meats or creamed spinach, while sweet yossels are filled with ground nuts, raisins, grated apples, and spices. Sweet yossels are usually served on their own or as part of a parve dessert.
Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts
The Torah dictates that Jews should eat a balanced diet and as such vegetables, fruits and nuts are staples in Jewish cuisine. Potato pancakes, for example, are a popular dish served during special occasions, as are casseroles made with a combination of root vegetables.
Fruits such as apples, dates, apricots and figs are also commonly eaten. Nuts like walnuts, pistachios and almonds are used in a variety of dishes, including pastries, kugels, cookies and sweetbreads.
Desserts and Drinks
Desserts and drinks are also popular in Jewish cuisine. Honey cakes, cheesecakes and apple cakes are common during Jewish celebrations, as are sweet wine and other drinks such as cider and tea. Traditional Danish pastries called “spandauer rugelach” are also popular in Jewish households, as are fluffy white cakes called “souffles”.
Holiday Foods
Certain traditional dishes, including gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, latkes and kugel, are associated with Jewish holidays. During Passover, for instance, Jews eat matzah, a type of unleavened bread, instead of regular bread, and also avoid foods containing yeast, such as beer and cake.
During the holiday of Hanukkah, Jews eat latkes and sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled donut holes. During Rosh Hashanah, Jews traditionally eat foods that symbolize a sweet new year, such as apples dipped in honey and black-eyed peas.
Conclusion and Usage of Judaism Foods
Jewish cuisine is full of delicious diversity, offering a variety of foods that are suitable for any occasion. From tasty matzo ball soup to honey-dipped apples and fluffy white cakes made with sweet wine, Jewish cuisine is unique and flavorful. The dietary laws set forth in the Torah form the basis for Jewish cuisine, although the foods that are eaten do vary by region and culture. Whether celebrating a joyous holiday or simply enjoying a warm family dinner, embracing a Jewish culinary tradition is an enjoyable and indulgent experience.
