18 Easy-to-Make Jewish Comfort Foods

In her New York Times essay about cornbread and the solace that comfort food brings, Margaret Renkl describes the matriarchs in her family who survived wars and pandemics.

"Whatever else is happening outside my windows, whatever struggles are still ahead," she writes, "just the sight of that golden disk of battery goodness can make me feel a tiny bit better."

During this time of social isolation and physical distancing, cooking simple, comfort foods can serve as a welcome and calming distraction – even if you don’t consider yourself a cook. We’ve rounded up some easy-to-make Jewish recipes for beginners that are simple, delicious, and well… just plain comforting. As Passover is on the horizon, please find some Passover friendly recipes included.

Traditional Ashkenazi Comfort Foods:

• Baked Chicken with Barley
• Kasha Varnishkas
• Cherry Noodle Pudding

​Kid-Friendly Recipes:

• Applesauce
• Classic New York Egg Cream
• Chocolate Chip Orange Zest Cookies

Simple Soups:

• Russian Cabbage Borscht
• Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup
• Cold Cucumber Dill Soup

Easy Energizers:

• Tart Pomegranate and Cherry Tonic
• Wake-Up Chocolate Fruit Kicks
• Lemon Poppy Seed No-Bake Bars

Our Passover Picks:

• Caramelized Red Onion and Dill Frittata with Smoked Salmon
• Matzah Spinach Pizza
• Matzah Meal Popovers

Plus, Passover Sweets!

• Matzah Candy Buttercrunch
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Matzah Squares
• Double Coconut Chocolate Macaroons

What foods do you turn to during stressful times? Leave a comment and let us know.

To find more recipes, see "21 Jewish Recipes That Use Ingredients You Have at Home” or browse all of our recipes.