Made from noodles or potatoes and sometimes sweetened with raisins, the Jewish pudding known as kugel derives its name from the German kugel, meaning ball, so called because of its shape. This kugel is also present in kugelhopf, an Austrian yeast cake made with raisins; the hop/part of the name may represent the Old German word for hoop (the cake is often made in a ringshaped mould) but could also represent the German hopfen, meaning to jump, an allusion to how this yeast cake rises as it bakes.
A hearty casserole that may serve as the centerpiece of a meal, boasting a savory mixture of fish, potatoes, onions, and cabbage. Alternatively, it may be a dessert, composed of rice, raisins, sugar, and nut meats.
Kugel, a traditional Jewish dish, is a type of pudding-souffle that can be served as either a main course, side dish, or dessert, depending on the ingredients used in its preparation.