What is knish?

A knish is a traditional Eastern European snack food. It's essentially a baked or fried dumpling consisting of a filling covered with dough.

  • Filling: The most common filling is mashed potato, often seasoned with onions, salt, and pepper. However, fillings can vary widely and include:

  • Dough: The dough is usually a thin, unleavened dough, though some variations use yeast dough or puff pastry.

  • Preparation: Knishes can be either baked or fried. Baked knishes tend to be drier, while fried knishes are more crispy and oily.

  • Regional Variations: Different regions and families often have their own unique recipes and variations. Some are square, some are round, and some are rectangular.

  • Cultural Significance: Knishes are particularly associated with Jewish%20cuisine, especially Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, and are often found in delicatessens and Jewish bakeries. They are a popular street food item, particularly in New York City.