Carrot Schalet Recipe

Carrot Schalet Recipe:

Carrot Schalet is a traditional Jewish dish that originated in Eastern Europe. It is a sweet and satisfying dessert that is often served during holidays and special occasions. The recipe dates back many generations and has been passed down through families, evolving and adapting along the way.

Fun fact: Schalet is also known as Kugel in Yiddish, which means "sphere" or "sphere-shaped." The name reflects the traditional shape of the dish, which is usually baked in a round or oval shape.

Now, let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of carrots
- 1 heaping tablespoon of drippings or chicken fat
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- Grated peel of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A little grated nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Extra fat for greasing the pudding dish
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling the carrots until they are tender. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once boiled, remove from heat and let them cool completely. This step is essential as you need the carrots to be cold before grating.

2. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the heaping tablespoon of drippings or chicken fat together with the sugar. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand.

4. Gradually add the yolks of four eggs to the creamed fat and sugar mixture. It's important to add them slowly while continuously mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.

5. Stir in the grated peel of one lemon, one teaspoon of cinnamon, a little grated nutmeg, three tablespoons of flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the carrot mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

7. Grease a pudding dish with a few tablespoons of fat. You can use the same fat you used in the mixture or substitute with butter or oil if preferred.

8. Pour the carrot mixture into the greased pudding dish, spreading it evenly.

9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the schalet. It should turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

10. Once the schalet is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for a few moments to allow the sugar to caramelize and form a crisp, sweet crust.

11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the carrot schalet hot for the best taste and texture.

Enjoy your homemade Carrot Schalet as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

Carrot Schalet belongs to the family of kugel dishes, which are Jewish baked puddings or casseroles. Some variations of kugel include potato kugel, noodle kugel, and apple kugel.

Potato kugel is made with shredded potatoes, eggs, and various seasonings. It has a similar texture to the carrot schalet but with a savory twist.

Noodle kugel, on the other hand, combines egg noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, and often raisins or other fruits. It is commonly enjoyed as a side dish or dessert.

Apple kugel is a sweet kugel made with grated apples, eggs, cinnamon, and sometimes breadcrumbs. It is a popular dish during Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah.

All of these kugel variations share a similar baking method and are loved for their comforting flavors and textures. They are unique and cherished recipes that bring joy to many families and communities.