We tend to associate the traditional cookie of Purim, the Hamantash, with Haman the villain of Purim. In Israel they are called Oznei Haman (אוזני המן) which means Haman’s ears. As a child I remember placing 2 of them on my ears (prior to eating them) wondering if Haman’s ears were really triangular, and why would we even eat something that represents ears of an executed person (evil or no evil). They were so good, that those thoughts melted away as fast as I could eat those cookies up.
A little bit of research revealed the source of the name Hamantash. It is most likely a corruption of the Yiddish word ‘Montashn’ or the German word ‘Monhntaschen’ which means nothing else but poppyseed-filled pouches. How simple is that…this is something I will not reveal to my kids, it is much more fun thinking one is eating ears verses cookies.
The triangular shape, is known to be reminiscent of the hats worn by the officers of the Persian court, including Haman.
My favorite filling is poppy (a bit old school)…what’s yours?
Any good recipe anyone?
