Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel

This Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel is a spicy, creamy twist on a traditional recipe.  As Hanukkah approaches, I look for creative spins on traditional dishes. This delicious deviation is a tantalizing fusion.  It marries the richness of a classic noodle kugel with a bold flavor of Korean cuisine.

What sets this kugel apart is gochujang paste, a staple in Korean cooking. It brings a spicy kick to the mix. The marriage of this fiery element with the comforting pasta is a winner.

Adding to the complexity of taste are the chopped sweet red bell peppers. They lend both color and sweetness that beautifully complements the heat from the Gochujang. Furthermore, the creamy texture of the kugel owes itself to a basic blend of cottage cheese and sour cream. As a result, this creates a canvas for the other vibrant ingredients.

Caramelized sweet onions, sautéed to perfection in olive oil and butter, add sweetness and depth to the dish. Moreover, this aromatic addition contributes to the overall richness of the Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel. They infuse each bite with a savory and comforting warmth.

The Crunchy top!

This dish is baked until golden brown and delightfully crunchy on top. The result is a spicy,  creamy comfort food that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Basically, this Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel is a celebration of diverse flavors. I am happy to present my contribution to culinary creativity during the Festival of Lights. As families come together to honor the miracle of Hanukkah, this modern twist on a classic dish is sure to spark joy and conversation around the holiday table. Enjoy!

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Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Jewish

Keyword Gochujang Kugel,, Hannukah Recipes, Hannukah side dish, Jewish food, Jewish recipes, Noodle Kugel, noodle kugel recipe, spicy noodle kugel

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Servings 8

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped sweet peppers
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 3-4 pinches sugar
• 1+ 3/4 cups cottage cheese
• 1+ 3/4 cups cups sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
• 12 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the onion.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet.

2. Add the onion and stir to coat. Cook, until they start to brown.

3. Stir in the peppers. Sauté 5 minutes.

4. Season with kosher salt. Sprinkle with sugar.

5. Cook for another minute.

6. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, and Gochujang in a large bowl

8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

9. Add the egg noodles and cook until soft but not mushy (about 8 minutes).

10. Drain the noodles thoroughly. Transfer to the bowl and toss with the creamy mixture.

11. Add the onion/pepper mixture to the bowl and toss to combine.

12. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Add a few pinches more sugar, if needed.

13. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish.

14. Add the mixture to the casserole dish. Pack it down a bit.

15. Bake for 25 minutes.

16. Remove from oven.

17. When cool enough to handle, plate & serve.

Like this Peppery Gochujang Noodle Kugel? Also, check out some of  these other Kugel recipes:

PRESERVED LEMON NOODLE KUGEL

SPRING VEGETABLE SAUERKRAUT NOODLE KUGEL

CARAMELIZED ONION WHOLE WHEAT NOODLE KUGEL