18 Jewish Foods is my first podcast. A closed-ended, 20-episode series, it explores iconic Jewish Foods, and what they say about the Jewish people. A new 15-minute episode is released every two weeks.
Podcast homepage is HERE.
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Real fermented sauerkraut (none of that immitation vinegary stuff) and charcuterie galore — THAT is the Alsatian choucroute garnie. But what is the Jewish (à la Juive) version all about? In this episode I explore what makes the Jewish style dish different, and how it exemplifies an entire class of Jewish foods: those in which the Jewish version is distinct […]
Are bagels actually Jewish? This is one of the questions I hear most often from people discussing Jewish food. The answer, of course, is yes (or it wouldn’t be on this podcast). But tune in to find out how and why. More importantly, the changes that took place to the bagel once it reached American shores, and truly reached its […]
The diversity of the Jewish people is much broader than simply the large communities of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US. Perhaps most fascinating is uncovering small, or lesser-known Jewish communities around the world. This episode is dedicated to them, and their foods. The Bene Israel are one of the ancient Jewish communities in India, and Malida — […]
Chopped Liver engenders great passion within Jewish foodies. Love it or hate it, few are indifferent. In this episode I explore its origins, and what differentiates it from its most likely predecessor. I also turn to the entire cagegory of offal dishes — organ meats and other “odd bits” from a slaightered animal — that Jews have eaten around the […]
Not only do Jews drink way more than many people know, there are actually a number of alcoholic beverages that are UNIQUELY Jewish. Mahia is one. Tune in to learn all about the history of this interesting spirit, how you can get it today, and also learn about some of the other Jewish alcoholic drinks. I also discuss one of […]
Kugel is more a class of foods, than a food. Growing out of the medieval Ashkenazi kitchen, it went through a multi-stage development process, and now comes in many forms. It remains, however, one of the most popular Shabbat dishes. But primarily due to its popularity, it also grew into a dish that is particularly revered by Chasidic Jews. Understanding […]
Since this episode is being released during a period of mourning, on the Jewish calendar, I am looking at how food also reflects one of the near constant negative aspects in Jewish history: Jew-hatred. Adafina is a dish that dates back to medieval Spain, and during the Inquisition, it literally became a matter of life and death. But other foods […]
Pizza Ebraica is not what most people think of when they hear the word pizza. But the name is absolutely appropriate, as I explain in the episode. This cookie is a uniquely Jewish food, and highlights a whole class of foods that are identified as Jewish IN THEIR NAMES. I also look at the issue of dairy and pareve within […]
What makes American-Jewish pastrami different from other deli meats? How does it compare with its European precursors? How did the delicatessen embody the American-Jewish experience? And how similar are American-Jewish and European Ashkenazi cuisines? Among other questions, this is what I explore in episode 10, focused on the beloved food of New York City, pastrami. Interview: Ted Merwin Episode Notes
Jews have been the masters of preserving and repurposing foods, reducing food waste. And we act as a “Light Unto the Nations” by sharing this value with the world. Learn about the title food, the concept of “Bal Tashchit,” and my interviewee’s organization that was designed to reduce food waste everywhere. Interview: Sibel Pinto Episode Notes
