18 Easy-to-Make Jewish Comfort Foods

Hands over a skillet steaming atop a stove

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:

Kid-Friendly Recipes:

Simple Soups:

Easy Energizers:

Our Passover Picks:

Plus, Passover Sweets!

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.

About the Author

Deborah Rood Goldman

Deborah Rood Goldman (she/her) is a longtime member of the Garden City Jewish Center in Garden City, N.Y. and the congregation’s past president. A native New Yorker, Deborah grew up on Long Island and holds a bachelor’s degree in American civilization from Brown University, as well as a master’s degree in library science from Queens College. She is a former digital communications producer on the Union for Reform Judaism.

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