Cholent

Cholent (Yiddish: טשאָלנט, Hebrew: חמין) is a traditional Jewish stew. It is usually simmered overnight for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on Shabbat (the Sabbath). Cholent was developed over the centuries to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath. The ingredients are varied and can include meat (usually beef), potatoes, beans, and barley.

Etymology

The word "cholent" is Yiddish, and is derived from the French word "chaud" meaning "hot", and "lent" meaning "slow". The Hebrew word "חמין" (chamin) is derived from the Hebrew word "חם" (cham), which means "hot".

Ingredients and Preparation

The basic ingredients of cholent are meat, potatoes, beans and barley. However, every Jewish ethnic group has variations on the dish. Ashkenazi cholent often contains beef, potatoes, beans, and barley while Sephardi cholent may use chicken instead of beef and rice instead of barley, and may include eggs. The ingredients are placed in a slow cooker or oven before the Sabbath begins, and allowed to cook slowly over a low heat until it is eaten for lunch the next day.

Cultural Significance

Cholent is a significant dish in Jewish culture, particularly in communities where observing the Sabbath with traditional rituals is common. It is a common dish served at Sabbath lunch and is often associated with synagogue and community gatherings.

Variations

There are many variations of cholent, reflecting the diversity of Jewish communities around the world. Some of these include:

• Hamin: A Sephardic version of cholent, often made with chicken and rice.
• Dafina: A Moroccan version of cholent, which includes wheat berries, meat, and whole eggs in their shell.
• Schalet: A version of cholent from the Jewish communities of Germany and the Netherlands.

See Also

• List of stews
• Jewish cuisine
• Sabbath food preparation

Cholent Resources
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