Knishes are a delightful pastry filled with savory goodness, perfect for a snack or a side dish. Originating from Eastern European Jewish cuisine, these pastries are traditionally filled with mashed potatoes and onions, offering a comforting and hearty flavor. Whether you're familiar with knishes or trying them for the first time, this recipe will guide you through creating these delicious treats at home.
Most of the ingredients for this knish recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep all-purpose flour or baking powder on hand, you'll need to pick those up. Additionally, ensure you have enough mashed potatoes and onion for the filling, as these are essential for achieving the traditional flavor and texture of knishes.
Ingredients for Knish Recipe
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of both the dough and the filling.
Water: Combines with the flour and oil to form the dough.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Mashed potatoes: The main component of the filling, providing a creamy and hearty texture.
Onion: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the filling.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the dough, ensure it is rolled out evenly to maintain a consistent thickness. This helps in achieving uniform baking and ensures that each knish has the same texture. Additionally, when sealing the edges, use a bit of water to help the dough stick together better, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the same leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is less processed than table salt.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add more flavor to the dough.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a richer flavor and contains healthier fats.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and can be less intense in flavor, allowing for better control over seasoning.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable in light-colored dishes.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Dish
Allow the knishes to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dough soggy.
For short-term storage, place the knishes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you plan to keep the knishes for a longer period, freezing is the best option. First, arrange the cooled knishes on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the knishes are firm.
Once the knishes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen knishes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the dough is crispy.
For a quicker reheating option, you can also use a microwave. Place a frozen knish on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the dough may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating knishes multiple times. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume immediately.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the knishes on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the knishes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't become too soft.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the knishes in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
On the stovetop, you can use a skillet. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the knishes in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the knishes at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the flour, baking powder, salt, water, and oil to form the dough.
Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is thin.
Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the dough.
Circle cutter: Used to cut the rolled-out dough into circles.
Spoon: Necessary for placing a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
Baking sheet: Holds the knishes while they bake in the oven.
Knife: Useful for finely chopping the onion for the filling.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, water, and mashed potatoes.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of smaller ingredients like baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Potato masher: Used to mash the potatoes for the filling.
Spatula: Helps to mix the mashed potatoes, chopped onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Make the mashed potatoes and chopped onions a day ahead to save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop the onions using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Pre-made dough: Consider using pre-made dough to skip the dough-making step entirely.
Batch baking: Bake multiple knishes at once by using multiple baking sheets to reduce overall cooking time.
Quick rolling: Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and speed up the process.
Knish Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Filling
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add water and oil, mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until thin. Cut into circles.
- Mix mashed potatoes, chopped onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold and seal the edges.
- Place knishes on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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