Celebrate Purim With 8 Traditional Jewish Recipes
The annual Jewish celebrations of Purim begin at sunset on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar and end on the following evening. Purim is a celebration of Queen Esther and her heroic uncle, Mordechai, who prevented Haman, the wicked prime minister, from convincing Persia’s King Ahasuerus, to slay the Jewish people.
During this joyous holiday, participants will listen to the Megillah, the story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman; volunteer to feed those less fortunate; attend Purim carnivals; wear traditional costumes and play games; attend Al HaNissim prayer ceremonies; giving food baskets, and enjoying a delicious feast featuring the following traditional Purim recipes…
1. Traditional Challah
This traditional Jewish egg bread is braided and sweetened with just the perfect amount of honey and sweet raisins in hope of a sweet year ahead to those who enjoy it. Traditionally, challah is braded into a crown shape for luck and prosperity.
Source: Canadian Living
2. Apricot Hamantaschen
Triangle-shaped flakey pastries are nice, but when they’re filled with sweet, sticky apricot spread they’re even nicer. Traditionally, Hamantaschen pastries are served in symbolism of Haman’s hat during family Purim celebrations as well as tucked into gift baskets.
Source: Epicurious
3. Hearty Bean Soup
Purim’s heroine, the beautiful Queen Esther, was a well-known vegetarian, who dined on fresh fruit, hearty vegetables, and beans and legumes for protein. She loved both poppy and caraway seeds, which is why this satisfying and healthy kale and rustic bean soup is served with poppy seed crisps.
Source: LA Times
4. Beef Brisket
This tender and juicy beef brisket literally falls apart in your mouth. You can give thanks to the marinating powers of merlot and pureed prunes, which give the meat a dry and full bodied yet sweet flavor all the way through.
Source: BonAppetit
5. Traditional Potato-Spinach Latkes
These potato-spinach latkes might make you misty-eyed for the golden potato pancakes that Bubbie, which is nana in Yiddish—used to make in her kitchen. Latkes make a great appetizer, side dish, or pot luck dish to share with hungry guests who want to start in early on the appetizers.
Source: Learnhebrewpod.com
6. Kosher Champagne Sweetened Lentil Salad
Most traditional Purim feasts pay tribute to Queen Esther, and are notably called ‘The Feast of Esther’ for this exact reason. The queen was a vegetarian so dishes containing meat and dairy (from animals) are eschewed in favor of kosher recipes made with beans, nuts, grains, seeds, and legumes—like this deliciously colorful lentil salad.
Source: JoyofKosher.com
7. Cornish Hens With Wild Rice and Apple Glaze
A dish you could imagine King Achashverosh himself savoring at his royal banquet table, this luxurious Cornish hen recipe with wild rice and apple glaze will impress your most opulent guest list. Elegantly prepared for Purim and stuffed with savory wild rice, and sautéed celery, onion, mushroom, and garlic.
Source: The Aussie Gourmet
8. Nutella Rugelach
A traditional kosher Jewish treat, this recipe adds a modern take to tradition rugelach, delectable mini Jewish croissants, by stuffing them with chocolate-hazel-nutty goodness. You can also add extra sweetness in cinnamon, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, and your preferred spread—such as butter, Greek yogurt, or traditional sour cream.
Source: Whatjewwannaeat.com
