Farfel is an ingredient most commonly seen in Jewish cuisine. Traditional farfel is made with egg noodles which have been shredded or broken into small chunks so that they are grainy, sort of like cous-cous, while matzo farfel is made with crumbled matzo crackers. Both forms are used in a wide variety of dishes, and they can be found in many markets which stock Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover, when traditional foods are very popular in many Jewish communities.
One of the classic uses of this ingredient is during the Sabbath meal which signals the end of the week and the start of the Sabbath holiday. It may be used as a side dish during this meal, in which case it may be seasoned with oil, salt, and pepper and eaten like many other noodle or starch side dishes. The dish is also commonly served during Passover and it can make an appearance during other religious holidays as well.
In addition to being used as a side dish, farfel can also be a filler in soups, kugels, savory pies, and other dishes. Some Jewish sweets are also made with farfel, as in the case of sweet kugels eaten as snacks and treats. Cooks can purchase farfel ready for use, or they can buy egg noodles or matzo and break them up as needed.
Some precautions need to be taken when handling farfel, because it can turn into a soggy mass which is extremely unpleasant. In the case of noodle farfel, the noodles may be soaked before use, but not necessarily cooked if they are going to be used in a cooked dish, because the heat of the food will cook the noodles through the rest of the way, and the dish will taste better when the noodles have a chewy texture and when they are not massed together. Matzo farfel is also soaked or moistened before use, but this is done with care to avoid making a soggy, gluey mound.
Even for those who are not fans of Jewish cuisine, farfel can have some diverse uses. It is very similar to breadcrumbs, so it can be used as filler in quiches, seafood cakes, and similar dishes. It can also make a flavorful and interesting side dish for Middle Eastern food, and it can be used for quick snacks. Packages should be kept in a cool dry place, and preferably stored out of the light.