Discover the Best Dairy-Free Pear Kugel Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Tradition
Discover the Best Dairy-Free Pear Kugel Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Tradition
When you're craving comfort food with a hint of sweetness, few dishes can compare to a warm, fragrant kugel. Traditionally, kugel is often made with rich dairy ingredients, but for those of us who are dairy-free or simply want to try something lighter, this pear kugel offers an exciting alternative.
With its perfect balance of flavors, this version uses the natural sweetness of pears to complement the other ingredients. And best of all, it's completely dairy-free!
Why Use Pears in Kugel?
You might be wondering why pears? Well, the answer is simple—pears bring a delicate sweetness and a soft texture that blend beautifully with the kugel’s other ingredients. The result is a dessert or side dish that's light yet indulgent, a perfect option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears Bosc or Bartlett
- 12 oz wide egg-free noodles or a noodle substitute
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or dairy-free butter
- 3 large eggs or flax eggs for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup maple syrup honey works too!
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
- Start by boiling the noodles in a pot of water. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just tender, then drain and set them aside to cool.
Peel and Slice the Pears
- While the noodles are cooking, peel the pears with a knife, making sure to remove all the skin and any non-edible parts. Then, slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they blend well with the kugel mixture.
Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs (or flax eggs), maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This custard base will bring everything together and give the kugel its smooth texture.
Combine Everything
- Now, gently fold the cooked noodles into the custard mixture, followed by the sliced pears. Be sure to mix it all together so that the pears and noodles are evenly coated. If you want to add a bit more texture, feel free to throw in some chopped nuts or raisins at this point!
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and drizzle with melted coconut oil. Bake for around 45 minutes or until the top turns golden and slightly crisp.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even more delicious!
