Author Notes
Cholent (also known as Chulent or Hamin) is a traditional Jewish stew simmered overnight, for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on the Jewish Sabbath. It was developed to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath. In my family, we alternate between a rich meat recipe with lots of beef short ribs and a lighter turkey version. We've also experimented with lamb and vegetarian versions. This recipe is my family's favorite: my mother's traditional meat cholent. For best results, simmer for 20-24 hours. —Ordinary Blogger (Rivki Locker)
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Ingredients
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1 tablespoon
canola or vegetable oil
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1
onion, chopped
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2 pounds
short ribs cut in between the bones to make individual pieces
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1/2 cup
dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
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1/2 cup
dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
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1/2 cup
pearl barley
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3
Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 tablespoon
ground cumin
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2 teaspoons
chili powder
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2 teaspoons
salt
Directions
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Heat the oil on medium heat in a large pot, preferably cast iron (I use a Le Creuset and wouldn't use anything else!). Saute the onion for about 10 minutes until translucent.
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Add the meat and cook for another 10 minutes, turning the meat over halfway through so both sides get browned.
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Add the remaining ingredients and cover with about 3 cups of water.
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Bring to a boil and then reduce to low. Leave the cholent simmering on low for at least 15 hours. In the Jewish tradition, it is left on a covered fire for about 24 hours, from Friday morning till Saturday lunch. Serve hot, with mustard or cole slaw.
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