Cholent

For me, Cholent isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a cold winter evening. Growing up, it was a staple at our family gatherings, a recipe passed down through generations, simmering slowly overnight. The aroma wafting through the house on Shabbat morning was nothing short of magical, signaling that something special was about to be served. As a child, I remember peeking into the pot, eagerly anticipating the moment when we’d finally dig in together. The thrill of unearthing tender potatoes, hearty beans, and flavorful meat was always a delight. Now, as an adult, I cherish recreating this comforting meal, allowing my family to experience that same joy. It’s a reminder of our heritage, the warmth of togetherness, and the love that goes into every ingredient.

What You’ll Need for Cholent

The beauty of Cholent lies in its simple yet wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, comforting flavor we all crave. From the hearty potatoes that absorb all the luscious broth to the beef that becomes fork-tender with slow cooking, it’s a dream team of flavors. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dish truly special.

• 2 1/2 pounds large red potatoes, peeled and halved
• 2 whole onions, chopped
• 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat or brisket, cut into chunks
• 2 marrow bones
• 1 cup dried beans (lima, pinto, chickpeas, red beans)
• 1/2 cup pearl barley or coarse-grain kasha (optional)
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 6 eggs (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 quart low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1 kishke (optional)
• Water (varies)

Making This Cholent

Now that you have the ingredients, let’s dive into how to bring this amazing Cholent to life. It’s a straightforward process that requires a bit of patience but is incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Start by preparing your slow cooker, the larger the better! Place the potatoes in a single layer at the bottom. This will create a sturdy base for the rest of your ingredients.
2. Next, sprinkle the onions over the potatoes. This will add depth of flavor as they cook down and caramelize.
3. Layer the beef chunks evenly on top of the onions and potatoes. The flavors will meld beautifully as they cook together.
4. Place the marrow bones in the pot alongside the beef, allowing the rich marrow to infuse the dish with its flavor.
5. If you’re using a kishke, now is the time to add it to the cooker.
6. Rinse your beans thoroughly, checking for any stones or impurities. If using barley or kasha, rinse those too. Sprinkle them over the meat layer.
7. Take the whole garlic cloves and tuck them into the meat mixture, evenly spaced to ensure the flavor spreads throughout.
8. Sprinkle the entire mixture with black pepper for a touch of heat.
9. If you’re adding eggs, rinse them well and nestle them among the meat.
10. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, kosher salt, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne. Pour this flavorful mixture over the Cholent ingredients.
11. Add enough water until everything is just covered. Expect to add an additional 1 to 2 cups of water depending on your slow cooker’s size and if you’re using grains.
12. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 16 hours, checking occasionally to see if it needs more water. If your cooker has a warm setting, switch it to that when cooking is complete.
13. Once it’s done, the Cholent may look a bit rustic, but don’t fret; it’ll be delicious! Peel the eggs before serving alongside the dish.
14. If you prefer to use the oven, layer everything in a large, heavy Dutch oven and cook at 200 degrees F for 12 to 16 hours, ensuring there’s enough liquid to cover the ingredients.

Tips and Tricks about Cholent

To ensure your Cholent turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind. These insights can help you make the most of this comforting dish and impress your family!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze Cholent for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
• Variations: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. They blend beautifully with the existing ingredients.
• Serving Size: This recipe is generous enough to serve 12 people, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Preparing Ahead: You can prepare all ingredients the night before and simply assemble them in the slow cooker in the morning!

What Goes Well With This Cholent

Serving Cholent can be a delightful experience, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. Here are some ideas on how to pair this hearty dish:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh, crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness of the Cholent, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Pickles: Serving pickles on the side offers a tangy crunch that complements the dish beautifully.
• Seasonal Sides: Roasted vegetables or simple steamed green beans can add color and nutrition to your meal.
• Occasions: Cholent is perfect for family gatherings, Shabbat dinners, or cozy winter nights.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cholent is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together around the table. The slow-cooked flavors and hearty ingredients create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. I encourage you to try making this recipe for yourself. The joy of sharing Cholent with loved ones will create lasting memories, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Cholent

The ultimate comfort food, Cholent is a hearty stew that warms the soul. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and a medley of spices, it's the perfect dish for family gatherings. This easy weeknight dinner will become a staple in your home, making every meal feel special!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 hours hrs

Total Time 17 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 pounds large red potatoes peeled and halved
• 2 whole onions chopped
• 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat cut into chunks
• 2 marrow bones
• 1 cup dried beans lima, pinto, chickpeas, red beans
• 1/2 cup pearl barley optional
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 6 eggs optional
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper if spice sensitive use 1/4 tsp
• 1 quart low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne if spice sensitive use just a pinch
• 1 kishke optional
• Water varies

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your slow cooker, the larger the better! Place the potatoes in a single layer at the bottom. This will create a sturdy base for the rest of your ingredients.
2. Next, sprinkle the onions over the potatoes. This will add depth of flavor as they cook down and caramelize.
3. Layer the beef chunks evenly on top of the onions and potatoes. The flavors will meld beautifully as they cook together.
4. Place the marrow bones in the pot alongside the beef, allowing the rich marrow to infuse the dish with its flavor.
5. If you’re using a kishke, now is the time to add it to the cooker.
6. Rinse your beans thoroughly, checking for any stones or impurities. If using barley or kasha, rinse those too. Sprinkle them over the meat layer.
7. Take the whole garlic cloves and tuck them into the meat mixture, evenly spaced to ensure the flavor spreads throughout.
8. Sprinkle the entire mixture with black pepper for a touch of heat.
9. If you’re adding eggs, rinse them well and nestle them among the meat.
10. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, kosher salt, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne. Pour this flavorful mixture over the Cholent ingredients.
11. Add enough water until everything is just covered. Expect to add an additional 1 to 2 cups of water depending on your slow cooker’s size and if you’re using grains.
12. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 16 hours, checking occasionally to see if it needs more water. If your cooker has a warm setting, switch it to that when cooking is complete.
13. Once it’s done, the Cholent may look a bit rustic, but don’t fret; it’ll be delicious! Peel the eggs before serving alongside the dish.
14. If you prefer to use the oven, layer everything in a large, heavy Dutch oven and cook at 200 degrees F for 12 to 16 hours, ensuring there’s enough liquid to cover the ingredients.

Notes

• Tip 1: You will also need a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
• Tip 2: The beans will soften without any pre-soaking due to the long slow cooking process, but a quick soak is recommended for easier digestion.
• Tip 3: To quick soak beans, cover with water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then let them soak for 1 hour.
• Tip 4: Avoid using kidney beans, as they are not recommended to slow-cook.
• Tip 5: Always ensure you have enough liquid to cover all ingredients.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.