iSavta | 29.06.2025

Living in Israel as a migrant caregiver can be a big adjustment. You’re away from your family, working long hours, and adapting to a new culture. But one beautiful way to connect with your patient, their family, and even other caregivers is through food.

Israeli food is full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and simple cooking. Many dishes are easy to learn—even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen. In fact, cooking Israeli food can be fun and relaxing. It’s also a great way to show care, build friendship, and learn something new. You might even become the next “chef” in the house!

Here are a few easy and popular Israeli dishes you can try:

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1. Shakshuka – Eggs in Tomato Sauce

What You Need:

• Eggs (2–4)

• Tomatoes (2–3) or canned tomatoes

• Onion (1 small)

• Garlic (2 cloves)

• Salt and pepper

• Cooking oil

How to Cook:

1. Chop onion and garlic. Cook in a pan with oil until soft.

2. Add chopped tomatoes (or canned). Cook for 10 minutes until soft.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Make small holes in the sauce and crack eggs into the holes.

5. Cover the pan and cook for 5–8 minutes until eggs are ready.

Why It’s Great:
Shakshuka is healthy, filling, and can be served with bread. Many families in Israel eat this for breakfast or dinner.

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2. Chicken Schnitzel – Crispy Fried Chicken

What You Need:

• Chicken breast (1 or 2 pieces)

• Egg (1)

• Bread crumbs

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder or paprika (optional)

• Oil for frying

How to Make:

1. Slice the chicken breast into thin pieces.

2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

3. Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip chicken pieces in the egg.

4. Coat chicken with bread crumbs.

5. Fry in hot oil (medium heat) until golden brown on both sides.

Why It’s Great:
Schnitzel is a favorite among both kids and adults in Israel. It’s crispy, tasty, and goes well with rice, salad, or mashed potatoes. You can even put it in a sandwich!

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3. Goulash – Hearty Meat Stew

What You Need:

• Beef (cut into small cubes)

• Onion (1 large)

• Garlic (2 cloves)

• Paprika (1 tablespoon)

• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)

• Potatoes (2–3, optional)

• Salt and pepper

• Water or beef broth

• Cooking oil

How to Make:

1. Chop onion and garlic, and cook in a pot with oil until soft.

2. Add beef cubes and cook until brown on all sides.

3. Add paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

4. Add tomato paste and mix.

5. Add enough water or broth to cover the beef.

6. If using potatoes, add them peeled and chopped.

7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.

Why It’s Great:
Goulash is a comfort food, originally from Hungary but loved by many Israeli families—especially those from Eastern Europe. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for colder days.

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Cooking Can Build Connection

You don’t need to be a professional chef to prepare these meals. Most of the ingredients are easy to find and not expensive. You can even invite your patient to help you prepare the food or ask them how their family usually cooks it. Cooking can help build trust, bring smiles, and create happy memories.

Many caregivers also enjoy sharing what they’ve cooked with their friends. You can bring these dishes to your day off meetups, or even send a photo to your family back home. Who knows? You might start a small weekend food group or become known for your famous schnitzel or shakshuka!

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Start with one recipe. Try it on your day off or when you’re not too tired. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Israeli people love homemade food, even if it’s simple.

From caregiver to chef—yes, you can! You’re already caring for people with your hands and heart. Cooking is just another way to do that.