For the last 12 weeks, individuals have been competing against each other for the Chulent cup title at Chabad of the East Valley in Chandler, Arizona.
Each week, two people create a chulent with unique names to be tried and tasted at the weekly Kiddush on Shabbos. The one that wins the most praise moves onto the next round.
To create the classic Jewish stew, contestants have been using potatoes, beans, meat, eggs. Some add uncommon ingredients while others make it vegetarian.
The chulent competition came about as an idea of Yaakov Welner, a member at Chabad, as a way to engage the millennials who grew up with competitive sports and a desire for creativity.
“The Chulent incorporates creativity, competition, community and old school food,” says Rabbi Mendy Deitsch , Director of Chabad of the East Valley.
Rabbi Tzvi Rimler, who is coordinating and leading this year’s chulent cup, said: “We all know that food is the center of any good healthy conversation, mix in a competition, young energy and creativity and you have yourself the perfect Chulent competition and comraderies.”
Chabad invited locals to join the final round of the two finalists at the Kiddush on Shabbos, May 26th, for the chance of being the chulent cup winner and taking home the champion chulent trophy.
VIDEO: