Get ready to celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim with a delicious array of traditional and creative recipes! As the story of Esther reminds us, this special day is all about feasting, merriment, and giving thanks. To help you make your Purim celebration truly unforgettable, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From sweet treats like hamantaschen and rugelach to savory dishes like brisket and knishes, these recipes showcase the rich culinary heritage of Jewish cuisine. With a focus on traditional flavors and modern twists, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your own Purim feast. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a grand celebration, these recipes are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of Purim recipes, highlighting some of our favorite dishes and sharing tips and tricks for making them. So grab your apron, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious Purim fun!
Hamantaschen with Poppy Seed Filling
These delicate, jam-filled cookies are a staple of Jewish culture and tradition. With a sweet poppy seed filling and a crumbly pastry crust, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy during Purim celebrations or anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Poppy seed filling (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Poppy Seed Filling:
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add sugar, melted butter, and egg; mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes or use a cookie cutter.
4. Spoon a small amount of poppy seed filling onto the center of each cookie.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or shape, pressing edges to seal.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Cheese Hamantaschen
Sweet Cheese Hamantaschen Recipe
These sweet and savory pastry cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional Hamantaschen recipe. Perfect for Purim celebrations or any occasion, these cheesy treats will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Hamantaschen cookie cutter or a round cookie cutter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each shape.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or other desired shape.
8. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate-Dipped Hamantaschen
These rich, buttery cookies are filled with sweet or savory fillings and dipped in velvety chocolate. Perfect for Hanukkah or any time you need a little indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling of your choice (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit preserves)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate (see below).
8. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Dip cooled cookies into chocolate and place on parchment paper.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Savory Spinach and Feta Hamantaschen
These flaky, buttery pastries are filled with the perfect blend of savory spinach, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for a unique brunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
4. Stir in chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., triangles, circles).
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Purim Challah with Raisins and Honey
Celebrate the joy of Purim with this sweet and tender challah, infused with the warmth of honey and plump raisins.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup raisins, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water, honey, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough, shape into a braid or round loaf, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped raisins.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persian Purim Rice with Dried Fruits
Celebrate the joy of Purim with this unique and flavorful rice dish, infused with the sweetness of dried fruits and a hint of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup golden raisins
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the soaked rice, cumin, salt, dried apricots, cranberries, and golden raisins to the saucepan. Stir well.
4. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Kreplach (Jewish Dumplings) in Chicken Soup
This classic Jewish recipe combines tender kreplach dumplings with a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup. A staple of Jewish cuisine, kreplach are typically served on Shabbat or holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chicken soup broth (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, and beaten egg. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook kreplach in simmering chicken soup broth for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Purim-Inspired Rugelach with Apricot Jam
Purim-Inspired Rugelach with Apricot Jam
Celebrate the joy of Purim with a sweet and flaky pastry filled with apricot jam, reminiscent of the festive treats enjoyed during this beloved holiday.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup apricot jam
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
3. In the center of each square, spread a small amount of apricot jam, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Fold the pastry squares in half to form triangles, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
5. Place rugelach on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each piece.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tri-Color Purim Cookies
Celebrate Purim with these vibrant, three-colored cookies that are as delicious as they are festive. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Colored sprinkles (red, white, and blue)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide dough into three portions. Color each portion with red, white, or blue sprinkles.
5. Roll out each colored dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Queen Esther’s Wine-Poached Pears
A sweet and sophisticated dessert fit for royalty, Queen Esther’s Wine-Poached Pears are a delicious and elegant treat. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a romantic evening in.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 bottle of dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, lemon slices, and cinnamon stick.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, peel, core, and halve the pears.
5. Place the pear halves in a single layer in a baking dish.
6. Pour the wine mixture over the pears, making sure they are fully submerged.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pears are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Purim Gragger-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Purim Gragger- Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe
Celebrate Purim with these fun and festive sugar cookies shaped like graggers, the traditional noisemakers used to scare away Haman.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Food coloring (pink and white)
– Gragger-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions. Color one portion pink and the other white.
6. Roll out each colored dough separately to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Use the gragger-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from both colors.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Purim Pizza Hamantaschen
Celebrate the joy of Purim with these adorable mini pizzas wrapped in hamantaschen dough, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of hamantaschen dough
– 1 cup of pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or your favorite topping
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the hamantaschen dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni or your favorite topping on top of the sauce.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
6. Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Place mini pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch space between each hamantaschen.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Purim Feast Brisket with Pomegranate Glaze
Purim Feast Brisket with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe
Celebrate Purim with a tender and flavorful brisket, smothered in a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze. This dish is perfect for your Purim feast or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, mustard, and thyme.
3. Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
4. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or baking dish. Pour the pomegranate glaze over the brisket.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the brisket is tender.
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Sweet and Spicy Purim Nuts
Sweet and Spicy Purim Nuts: A Delicious Treat for Your Celebration!
Get ready to spice up your Purim celebration with these addictive Sweet and Spicy Purim Nuts! With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, these nuts are sure to be a hit at any party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, honey, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the mixed nuts and stir until they are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
4. Spread the nut mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the nuts are toasted and fragrant.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Purim Carnival Funnel Cakes
Add some sparkle to your Purim celebration with these crispy and sweet funnel cakes, perfect for a carnival-themed party. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be creating a treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add in milk to form a smooth batter.
3. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Using a funnel or a spoon, drop small amounts of the batter into the hot oil.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes per batch, depending on the number of funnel cakes you’re making.
Chocolate-Coated Purim Pretzels
Add a delicious twist to your Purim celebrations with these Chocolate-Coated Pretzels! Crunchy pretzels smothered in rich chocolate and sprinkles make for the perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of pretzel rods
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco)
– Sprinkles or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, coating about 2/3 of the pretzel.
6. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.
7. Place coated pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set chocolate.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour (includes refrigeration time)
Purim-Inspired Fruit and Nut Charoset
Celebrate Purim with a sweet and symbolic charoset recipe that combines the flavors of Morocco with the story of Esther. This fruit and nut mixture is a delicious twist on the traditional Passover charoset, perfect for dipping your afikomen or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dates, pitted
– 1/2 cup prunes, chopped
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine dates, prunes, and nuts. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, orange juice, and grated ginger.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and process until well combined.
4. Season with cinnamon to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This charoset is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Mini Purim Trifle Desserts
Celebrate the joy of Purim with these adorable mini trifle desserts, perfect for a festive gathering or party. Layers of creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and crunchy cookies come together in a delightful treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vanilla pudding
– 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
– 6-8 small cookies (e.g., ladyfingers, wafers, or shortbread)
– 1/4 cup whipped cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pudding according to package instructions.
2. Cut the cookies into quarters.
3. In small glasses or cups, create layers by alternating between pudding, berries, and cookies.
4. Top each trifle with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with honey.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! Just assemble and chill.
Purim-Themed Rainbow Cake
Celebrate the joy of Purim with this vibrant and delicious rainbow cake, perfect for a festive treat or party dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
– Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among six bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to achieve the desired rainbow colors.
6. Pour each colored batter into prepared pans, creating a striped effect.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating with rainbow sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Purim Knish with Potato Filling
Celebrate the joy of Purim with this savory knish recipe, filled with a delicious potato filling and wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for a festive gathering or everyday snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Filling ingredients (below)
– Potato filling:
+ 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
+ 1/4 cup vegetable oil
+ 1 small onion, finely chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
5. Roll out each piece into a thin circle.
6. Place a tablespoon or two of potato filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape, pressing edges to seal.
8. Brush tops with vegetable oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to celebrate Purim with these delicious and traditional recipes! From sweet treats like Hamantaschen with Poppy Seed Filling and Sweet Cheese Hamantaschen, to savory dishes like Kreplach (Jewish Dumplings) in Chicken Soup and Purim Feast Brisket with Pomegranate Glaze, there’s something for everyone. Plus, try your hand at making Purim-inspired cookies, cakes, and desserts, such as Tri-Color Purim Cookies, Queen Esther’s Wine-Poached Pears, and Mini Purim Trifle Desserts. With these 20 festive recipes, you’ll be sure to make the holiday a sweet success!
