Passover made from scratch
A Shabbat Staple for Passover
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
8-10 hours
Serves
10
Few things say Shabbos comfort quite like a hot, hearty serving of yapchik. This rich, potato-based dish is a satisfying fusion of two favorites: potato kugel and slow-cooked beef. It fills your home with delicious aroma and your table with joy.
Until this recipe—graciously shared via voice text by my friend Rebbetzin Gruni Uminer—I never made a successful potato kugel. Thank you, Gruni!!!
Now, I make it almost every week for Shabbos, and the yapchik variation is my go-to Passover cholent alternative. It always creates a lot of excitement!
Gruni’s Potato Kugel Recipe (Oven or Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chunked (enough to nearly fill your food processor)
- 1 large onion
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
Steps
1
Using the S-blade of a food processor, fill the bowl nearly full with peeled, chunked Yukon Gold potatoes.
2
Add the onion, eggs, oil, and salt.
3
Blend until liquified into a thick, smooth batter.
4
Pour into a greased 9×13″ pan.
5
Bake at 350°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, until golden brown on top and crisp around the edges.
Optional Slow Cooker Method: Grease the insert and pour in the kugel batter. Cook on low overnight or 6–8 hours until set and golden.
Yapchik: The Shabbos Version with Beef
To make the Yapchik
1
Prepare the kugel batter as described above.
2
Grease a large 6- to 8-quart slow cooker insert.
3
Pour half the kugel batter into the bottom.
4
Add 1 to 1.5 pounds seasoned beef in a single layer (use stew meat, flanken, or your preferred cut).
5
Pour the remaining kugel batter on top to cover the meat completely.
6
Cover and cook on low overnight (8–10 hours).
By morning, you’ll have the most satisfying, layered dish with tender beef nestled inside golden potato kugel. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your Shabbos table.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the full yapchik ahead of time and freeze the entire slow cooker insert. On Friday, place the ceramic insert directly from the deep freezer into the slow cooker and cook on low. It works perfectly!
Let me know how your family loves this Passover version of cholent. Wishing you a peaceful, delicious Shabbos!