One of the most unusual questions I’ve ever received:
“Hi, I am attending a High Holiday dinner for the first time in 2018. Everyone has been asked to contribute a dish. I want to make chicken soup, but I can’t find chicken feet in any of my stores. Where do you buy them?”
I replied by email and stated that I see them for sale at some Walmarts. I do not, however, buy them, nor do I eat them, which seemed to cause considerable confusion.
“You don’t? Wow. I have always heard that Jews love to eat chicken feet soup. I am not trying to be rude here or pretending. I am honestly asking.”
Jews love to eat chicken feet? Ok, that’s a new one for me and I’ve heard most—all?—the rumors and stereotypes. Just for the record so we’re clear: Yes, chicken soup is popular in the Jewish kitchen. I grew up eating it and I make it now myself, fairly regularly. Personally, I don’t like the smell or taste of broth made from a whole carcass and I don’t make my soup that way. Those who do use the traditional method, with a whole bird in a pot, do not use chicken feet.
The feet can be used, if they’re kosher, but it’s so unusual, I literally don’t know a single Jewish cook that includes them in modern cooking. There are some very, very old recipes that might, but it’s not popular. Whole chickens, sold in regular supermarkets, never have the feet attached, for that reason. I think they look repulsive in the raw pack and I wouldn’t dream of eating them.
So, just in case anyone else has heard this rumor, or was curious about this topic, or, more likely, never thought about it, but is now informed, there you go. Jewish chicken soup doesn’t include feet because feet are gross.
Right, just like we mix blood into matzo for Passover, suuuuuuuuuure. I am so damn sick of these anti-semitic trolls. Why do you waste time and energy answering these morons? It’s not worth the time to type them a reply.
Not the same thing at all. There are some people who truly have limited knowledge/contact with the Jewish community. They do not have experience with our customs and might be genuinely unsure. I will never fault anyone for asking questions and I will answer anything that seems decent. Chicken feet is weird, but a lot of misinformation circulates about us that is weird. I don’t consider this anti-Semitism. To me, it’s a rumor that’s untrue, but not offensive. Blood matzo is a slur; this is just curiosity.
What in the world? I’ve never heard of such a thing (nor have I heard of blood in matzo). Thank you for your good humor in the face of rudeness. Also, yes – eww!
To me, it was an unusual question, but not offensive. I’m not sure how these rumors start, but I have no problem answering questions, even the weird ones.
I love how you answered that question! I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures and customs, but most people are so hyper-sensitive about cultural backgrounds these days that it’s hard to ask anything or learn anything new from the actual source anymore.
Personally, I try to be open and understanding. I never would blame or shame someone for a simple question. I want everyone to feel safe to comment without being judged or attacked. If not, we can’t learn from each other.
Do you eat chopped liver?
NO, but I know some folks love it. I never, ever did. Very gross to me. I hate organ meats.
I’ve never heard of Jews liking chicken feet! I’ve had chicken feet, although kinda not good but apparently healthy…. :/
It was also a surprise to me. Who knows where people hear rumors?
Is this a joke?!?
Nope, it was a legit question, believe it or not.
Oy. I’m a Jew and I have never eaten chicken feet.
You and me both!
There is always a first time. They are delicious and they add flavor and body to chicken soup. My mother and grandmother always added the feet to the soup. Plus the collagen in the feet is great for your skin and joints. They can also be used to make galereta or ptsha – essentially aspic – instead of calf’s foot. Chicken feet is a great delicacy in Chinese cooking. There is a whole world to be discovered in foods that have fallen out of favor today. Stay open!
I’ve never even heard of this rumor.
Never could even think of eating chicken feet
Dear Jewish lady, thank you so much for your article but there are others jewish people not from your background that really enjoy and eat chicken feet in soup or in stew, even fried chicken feet. My background is Sephardic and i grew having it. I do agree that non-jewish people have wrong opinions about our custom, cuisine and traditions but the fact that in your culture didnt eat it in one way or another doesnt mean others didnt or dont.