16 Old-School Recipes Your Jewish Grandma Used to Make
Whether or not you actually have a Jewish grandma, we’re willing to bet that you’ve probably been fed by one at some point. Overfeeding is practically inscribed in the Torah as a grandmotherly duty. So whether it’s a holiday and we want something traditional, or we’re just in need of a little extra love, we always turn to one of these comforting recipes. We may not make them exactly like Bubbe did, but we think we’re pretty close.
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French Onion Brisket
This recipe includes five—yes, five—sliced yellow onions to give the brisket a beautiful golden color and caramelized sweetness. It’s so tender, you won’t even need a knife.
Chocolate Banana Bread Babka
Is it bread? Is it cake? We don’t exactly know, and TBH, we don’t really care. This new-school twist is yeasty, sweet and swirled with chocolate and banana, and we love it.
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Potato Latkes
OK, so Jews don’t get Christmas. But we do get eight nights of crispy, fried potatoes. It might be an even trade-off.
Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs
The next time we catch a cold, we’re calling Coterie member Heidi Larsen. (And did we mention her homemade chicken broth was inspired by a recipe by our queen, Ina Garten?)
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Honey Challah
Before you tell us you don’t have time to make homemade bread, hear us out. This dough comes together easily in an electric mixer, no kneading required.
Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
There’s nothing like a classic roast chicken for a Shabbat or holiday meal. We season the chicken with lemon, thyme, rosemary and butter, and the result is tender, juicy meat with crispy, golden skin.
Gluten-Free Rugelach with Cranberry Jam and Chocolate
The sweet-tart combination of cranberries and chocolate makes this traditional dessert feel totally modern and sophisticated.
Red Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce
Shakshuka (aka eggs baked in a savory tomato sauce) has become a hip brunch favorite. But before that, it was a classic Israeli dish. Don’t forget the pita for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip with Everything Bagel Chips
OK, this isn’t exactly how Grandma used to make it. But it’s a super-fun update to the most classic Jewish dish: bagels and lox.
Falafel Patties
We’re pretty sure there should be a picture of a falafel sandwich on the Israeli flag.
Mushroom Barley Soup
Our bellies are warm just thinking about this hearty soup, from Coterie member Maria Lichty.
Whole Roasted Carrots
A great alternative to tzimmes—a sweet traditional dish with sweet potatoes and carrots. This goes perfectly next to roast chicken at the Shabbat table.
Buckwheat Cheese Blintzes
We’d never turn down thin crepes stuffed with cheese and fried in butter. Bonus: This version is totally gluten-free.
Reuben Sandwich
This recipe uses homemade corned beef instead of pastrami for a thicker texture. (We’ll take ours with extra pickles.)
Coconut Macaroons
A classic Passover-friendly treat (not to be confused with the fancy French kind).
Old-Fashioned Egg Cream
Fun fact: There’s no egg or cream in this classic fountain soda. Take a sip and transport yourself back to 1950.
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