Knish

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Knish is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish snack food consisting of a filling covered with dough that is either baked, grilled, or deep fried. Knishes can be purchased from street vendors in urban areas with a large Jewish population, sometimes at a hot dog stand or from a butcher shop. It was made popular in North America by Eastern European immigrants from the Pale of Settlement (mainly from present-day Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine).

History[edit | edit source]

The knish, a kind of stuffed bun, has its origins in Eastern Europe. The word knish comes from the Yiddish word 'knysh' which means 'dumpling'. The knish was a popular street food in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before spreading to other parts of the world.

Preparation and Varieties[edit | edit source]

A traditional knish is made by wrapping a thin layer of dough around a filling and then baking or frying it. The filling is typically made from mashed potatoes, ground meat, sauerkraut, onions, kasha (buckwheat groats), or cheese. However, there are many variations of the knish, and fillings can include anything from spinach and feta cheese to sweet potatoes and black beans.

In the United States, particularly in New York City, knishes are typically round and filled with potatoes, but they can also be square and have a variety of other fillings. Some knishes also have a thin layer of dough on the top and bottom, with the filling visible in the middle.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Knishes have been a part of Jewish cuisine for centuries and are a staple in the diet of many Jewish families. They are often served at celebrations and holidays, and are a popular street food in cities with large Jewish populations. In the United States, the knish has become a symbol of Jewish immigrant culture and is a popular food item in delis and bakeries.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Star of David.svg
   This article is a Jewish stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!

This Jewish-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

Food.jpg
This article is a stub related to food. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD