Purim is like Carnivale for Jews. It's a holiday where you're encouraged to excess. The most traditional treat for Ashkenazi Jews is Hamantaschen. Most recipes are sweet, but for cubes, who prefers savory to sweet, I've included a mix in my recipe roundup.
You might be curious why there's so many baked goods available at Purim. The easy answer is Passover is coming. Before Passover starts, all chametz (leavening) needs to be removed from the kitchen. (Ashkenazi have the strictest definition of chametz, which includes rice, corn, and beans!) To avoid waste, bakers attempt to use up all of their flour to avoid having to throw it out. The result? Tons of desserts.
Want to try making Hamantaschen for yourself? Here are a few recipes sure to please anyone's tastebuds (from top left clockwise):
- Easy Hamantaschen Recipe
- Chocolate-Dipped Hamantaschen
- Eggless Hamantaschen
- Step-by-step Butter-based Hamantaschen
- For those who aren't fans of sweets, some savory Hamantaschen: Savory Caramelized Onion Hamantaschen
Some additional recipes (not pictured above) that I came across that might be of interest are: Non-Dairy Hamantaschen Dough; Decadent Chocolate Hamantaschen; and Non-Dairy, Dairy, and Yeast Hamantaschen Dough recipes with Sweet and Savory Filling Recipes.
What's your favorite Hamantaschen recipe?
In my searches, I didn't come across a gluten-free Hamantaschen recipe. If you have one, please share as I'd love to try it.
So, you're probably wondering how a recipe that requires you to prepare dough a day ahead of time qualifies as effortless? Simple, you can make them up to five days in advance of your event provided you store these treats out of sight and in airtight containers.
Bon Appetit!
Eden!
