Knish

Knish is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish snack food consisting of a filling covered with dough that is either baked, grilled, or deep fried. Knishes can be purchased from street vendors in urban areas with a large Jewish population, sometimes at a hot dog stand or from a butcher shop. It was made popular in North America by Eastern European immigrants from the Pale of Settlement (mainly from present-day Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine).

History

The knish, a kind of stuffed bun, has its origins in Eastern Europe. The word knish comes from the Yiddish word 'knysh' which means 'dumpling'. The knish was a popular street food in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before spreading to other parts of the world.

Preparation and Varieties

A traditional knish is made by wrapping a thin layer of dough around a filling and then baking or frying it. The filling is typically made from mashed potatoes, ground meat, sauerkraut, onions, kasha (buckwheat groats), or cheese. However, there are many variations of the knish, and fillings can include anything from spinach and feta cheese to sweet potatoes and black beans.

In the United States, particularly in New York City, knishes are typically round and filled with potatoes, but they can also be square and have a variety of other fillings. Some knishes also have a thin layer of dough on the top and bottom, with the filling visible in the middle.

Cultural Significance

Knishes have been a part of Jewish cuisine for centuries and are a staple in the diet of many Jewish families. They are often served at celebrations and holidays, and are a popular street food in cities with large Jewish populations. In the United States, the knish has become a symbol of Jewish immigrant culture and is a popular food item in delis and bakeries.

See Also

• Jewish cuisine
• Ashkenazi Jews
• Yiddish language
• Eastern European cuisine

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