80 Best Amish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular Amish food? ›

Unlike other cuisines, Amish food does not rely heavily on modern appliances such as microwaves, electric ovens, and blenders. Instead, all cooking is done over an open fire or stovetop using only natural ingredients such as butter and lard to create savory dishes full of flavor.

The beauty of Amish dishes lies in their simplicity. There are no long lists of exotic ingredients and no intricate culinary techniques. Instead, there's a focus on freshness and quality. Butter is churned at home, bread is baked fresh every morning, and vegetables are plucked straight from the garden.

New Order Amish prohibit alcohol and tobacco use (seen in some Old Order groups), an important factor in the original division. Different from the Old Order, the New Order actively suppress the use of tobacco and alcohol and do not allow bed courtship (bundling), which was an important factor in the original division.

Modern-day Amish will eat “other” foods like lasagna and taco salad, but traditional meals are still made and enjoyed, especially at special occasions like weddings and holidays.

The Amish Have No Dietary Restrictions

Having no dietary restrictions means they can eat whatever their heart desires. While many Amish stick to a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch diet, we've seen Amish dine at Olive Garden and take their buggies through the Burger King drive thru line.

If you're from a different culture you may be used to having a variety of things to drink with your meal from ice tea to milk to coffee. Its water for the Amish. But don't forget to have a cup of coffee after dessert while you sit around to chat. Meadow tea is also a favorite.

Homegrown produce is often a staple and features vegetables such as corn, beets, peas, and more. Many Amish families compliment their meals with cabbage and potatoes, using sauerkraut–a type of pickled cabbage–as a staple in many dishes.

But how long do Amish people live? The average life expectancy of the Amish is similar to the national average, with many living into their 70s and 80s. Research on the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, revealed an average lifespan of 70.7 years.

Are Amish people very healthy? ›

The Amish are protected against many types of cancer both through their lifestyle—there is very little tobacco or alcohol use and limited sexual partners—and through genes that may reduce their susceptibility to cancer.

Amish people work the land without most of the modern technology used by farmers today. They need wholesome and filling foods that are also laden with energy. Their Swiss-German traditional fare of loaves of bread, pies, potatoes, and noodles caters to this need very well.

While we are on the topic, yes, the Amish are huge consumers of soda. To be honest, I've not met too many who are co*ke fans. It seems to be Pepsi and Mountain Dew that are popular among the Amish.

Root Cellars

These structures use the earth's natural properties to maintain controlled temperatures and steady humidity. The Amish store fruits, nuts, vegetables, and other types of food in root cellars. They also store canned goods in the root cellar to help them get through the winter months.

Are the Amish Allowed to Eat Pork? Because there are no food restrictions, or notions of pigs being unclean, the Amish can eat pork.

Amish baby formula is a raw milk formula that has been used for centuries by Amish families. It's made from cow's milk, whey, and goat's milk and does not include sugar or salt. Raw whole milk is essential for this recipe because it contains many vital nutrients that can't be found in store-bought pasteurized milk.

Amish woodworkers take their craft seriously, and the heirloom furniture they produce is coveted for its impeccable quality, craftsmanship and durability.

After the snack break, the children carry on with their daily chores and it is about this time that the Amish quilter must prepare for the evening meal. Supper is usually served around 5:00 p.m. once the husband and older children have all arrived home after their workday.