CRISPY POTATO KUGEL

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Crispy Potato Kugel image

At its core, kugel is a casserole. It comes in both savory and sweet varieties, often made with egg noodles and vaguely sweetened. This version, made with potatoes, is decidedly salty and savory, with onions in the mixture and chives to finish. It can best be described as something between a Spanish tortilla and a giant latke; the potatoes are shredded, not sliced, there are eggs but no flour, and it's got crispy edges and a creamy interior. Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? The most annoying parts of this kugel are also the most important: grating the potatoes (I use a box grater, but you can use a food processor with the shredding blade) and wringing out their moisture. For that, I use my hands and a colander or strainer to save a kitchen towel or a cheesecloth, but you can use those, if you like. Traditionally made in a casserole-style baking dish, this kugel starts off in a cast-iron skillet, but a stainless-steel skillet would do the job, and honestly so would a baking dish, just know you may be sacrificing that crunchy underside.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     vegetables, side dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 pounds russet potatoes (about 5 to 7 potatoes), peeled
1 large yellow onion
6 large eggs
10 tablespoons chicken fat, melted, or use vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped chives, for serving
Flaky sea salt, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Using a box grater or the shredding attachment on the food processor, grate the potatoes and onion into a colander fitted inside a large bowl (or in the sink).
  • Using your hands and working with a bit at a time, squeeze as much water from the potatoes and onions as humanly possible and transfer the dry potatoes to a large bowl (you can use that same bowl, just make sure it's drained and dry). For added insurance, you can also do this with cheesecloth or a porous kitchen towel, if you like.
  • Add eggs and 6 tablespoons chicken fat to the potatoes, and season with salt and plenty of pepper, mixing well. Heat another 2 tablespoons fat in a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. (This recipe will work in a 9- or 10-inch skillet, but the kugel will be slightly taller in a 9-inch.) Delicately place the potato mixture into the skillet, taking care not to pack it in tightly. (You want to keep the kugel light and airy.)
  • Cook the potatoes, rotating the skillet occasionally to promote even browning, until it's golden brown on the edges and up the sides, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Drizzle the top of the potatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons fat and place in the oven. Bake until the top of the kugel is deeply golden brown, the edges are wispy and crispy, and the potatoes are completely and totally tender and cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and top with more pepper, chives and flaky sea salt. Slice and serve warm.

Victoria Skito
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This kugel was a bit too sweet for my taste, but my family loved it. I think next time I'll reduce the amount of sugar I add.


emmy worku
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I've made this kugel several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love that I can make it ahead of time and just reheat it when I'm ready to serve.


Renaldo Ferreira
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This kugel was easy to make and turned out great! I used Yukon Gold potatoes and they were perfect. The kugel was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I served it with sour cream and applesauce and it was a hit!


Erika Nyman
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This kugel was delicious! I made it for my family and they all loved it. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The flavor was perfect, with just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness. I will definitely be ma


Elias Kelvin
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I made this kugel for a Hanukkah party and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. I'll definitely be making this again.


ADINIE JAMES CHIWA LUPUSO
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This kugel was a bit too salty for my taste, but otherwise it was good. I think next time I'll reduce the amount of salt I add.


qamar 5191
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I've never made kugel before, but this recipe was so easy to follow. The kugel turned out perfectly and it was delicious! I will definitely be making this again.


Anita Puri
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This kugel was good, but not great. I found it to be a bit dry and bland. I think I'll try a different recipe next time.


Dilkesh Pun
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I made this kugel for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. I'll definitely be making this again.


Angela Van Hulzen
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This kugel was a bit too sweet for my taste, but my family loved it. I think next time I'll reduce the amount of sugar I add.


Malik ali Malik ali
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I've made this kugel several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love that I can make it ahead of time and just reheat it when I'm ready to serve.


MUSINGUZI WILSON
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This kugel was easy to make and turned out great! I used Yukon Gold potatoes and they were perfect. The kugel was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I served it with sour cream and applesauce and it was a hit!


Mbae Duncan
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This kugel was absolutely delicious! I made it for my family and they all loved it. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The flavor was perfect, with just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness. I will defin