Mandlen, a savory cracker bread, is a traditional Jewish cuisine often served with soups and popular during special occasions and religious holidays. It is made with common ingredients and can be enriched with herbs and spices. Pre-measured mixes and packaged versions are also available.
Commonly referred to as nut soup, mandlen is a savory cracker bread that is often served with soups. Considered part of traditional Jewish cuisine, it is also a favorite on special occasions and religious holidays. Serving mandlen during the Easter season has earned it the nickname Easter Crackers.
In addition to being an excellent cracker to serve with soups, the mandlen is also considered an excellent addition to party platters or even as a quick snack to pickle a person up until mealtime. Ingredients are common items found in many cuisines, and a basic recipe includes wheat flour, eggs, vegetable shortening, and potato starch. Salt and pepper to taste are added to the dough. Once the dough is well mixed, it is rolled into small round balls, placed on a baking sheet, and baked until the outside is golden brown.
The basic recipe is sometimes enriched with various blends of herbs and spices. People who are trying to limit their salt intake may opt to use garlic powder or cayenne pepper. Adding other herbs and spices into the recipe can provide a little extra flavor, which can be especially beneficial when crackers are eaten as a snack.
Mandlen is actually a Yiddish word meaning “almond.” While the cracker doesn’t actually contain any almonds, the final product bears a resemblance in both color and shape to this culinary nut. As a popular element of a matzo meal, mandlen is considered an ideal addition or side dish.
While many households prefer to make mandlens from scratch, pre-measured mixes are available that can significantly reduce preparation time. Additionally, packaged versions are available in many supermarkets and boutique grocery stores featuring ethnic cuisines. As packaged brands have become more readily available, the cracker has gained popularity with many soup lovers.
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