Kugel z Makaronem, Ricottą i Suszonymi Wiśniami

Introduction

Kugel, a beloved staple in Jewish cuisine, is a versatile casserole that can be sweet or savory, and is often enjoyed as a side dish or dessert. This recipe for Lemon Ricotta Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the tanginess of lemon, the creaminess of ricotta cheese, and the sweetness of dried cherries. This kugel is perfect for Passover, as it is dairy-based and contains no wheat or gluten. It can also be served as a brunch dish, a holiday dessert, or a comforting weeknight treat.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Lemon Ricotta Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries, you will need the following ingredients⁚

• Noodles⁚ 1 pound wide egg noodles
• Ricotta Cheese⁚ 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• Eggs⁚ 3 large eggs
• Sugar⁚ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Lemon⁚ Zest of 1 lemon
• Dried Cherries⁚ 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• Cinnamon⁚ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg⁚ 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt⁚ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Butter⁚ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to prepare your Lemon Ricotta Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries⁚

Step 1⁚ Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2⁚ Combine Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, dried cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
2. Gently fold in the cooked noodles.
3. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

Step 3⁚ Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the kugel is golden brown and set. The center should be cooked through.
2. Let the kugel cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Lemon Ricotta Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries⁚

• Use different noodles⁚ You can substitute wide egg noodles with other types of noodles, such as pappardelle, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add more flavor⁚ For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon or two of vanilla extract to the kugel batter. You can also use a different citrus zest, such as orange or grapefruit.
• Experiment with dried fruit⁚ Instead of dried cherries, you can use other dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots. You can also use a combination of different dried fruits.
• Top with a crumble⁚ For a more decadent kugel, you can top it with a crumble made from melted butter, flour, and sugar. This will add a crispy texture to the kugel.
• Make it ahead⁚ The kugel can be made ahead of time and reheated. To reheat, cover the kugel with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (approximately 1/12 of the recipe) is as follows⁚

• Calories⁚ 300
• Fat⁚ 15g
• Saturated Fat⁚ 6g
• Cholesterol⁚ 80mg
• Sodium⁚ 250mg
• Carbohydrates⁚ 40g
• Fiber⁚ 2g
• Sugar⁚ 20g
• Protein⁚ 10g

Conclusion

This Lemon Ricotta Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries is a delicious and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, customizable, and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this classic Jewish dish and impress your guests with its delightful flavors and textures.