Following are a few of our favorite Passover matzo recipes. But for our readers who are not Jewish, here’s a brief explanation of Passover.
Known to those who celebrate the festival of Passover, Pesach, or Pesaḥ is a seven-to-eight day holiday commemorating the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The celebration begins with a seder on the first night of the holiday week. At this time, family members eat symbolic food and recite traditional prayers. Jews must observe dietary restrictions; the religious ritual mandates that matzo must be one of the dishes served at this meal. At least on the first night, although many Jews choose to eat matzo every night of the holiday week.
What is Matzo?
Matzo is an unleavened flatbread. During the Passover festival, Jews can only consume unleavened bread. The reasoning is that when the Israelites fled Egypt, there was not enough time for their dough to ferment. Thus the modern-day tradition of eating unleavened matzo.
Passover Matzo Recipes
Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo balls are dumplings made from matzah meal, eggs, water, and Schmaltz (chicken fat). Healthy for you, Matzo Ball Soup is a dumpling and chicken soup simmered for hours to concentrate the flavor. Joan Nathan’s Matzo Ball Soup recipe from the New York Times has very high reviews.
Matzo Brei
Like French toast, Matzo Brei is a breakfast or brunch comfort food. Eat matzo brei with various condiments, including powdered sugar, syrup, apple sauce, sour cream, cinnamon, and jam.
Chocolate Covered Matzo
Chocolate Covered Matzo is a favorite sweet, and salty Passover treat. Unleavened matzo is coated with caramel and topped with chocolate. This simple-to-make treat is delicious!
Matzo Lasagna
Matzo Lasagna is a unique twist on a traditional dish: a Passover-friendly dinner. This cheesy recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make. So yummy you’ll want to make this dish all year round!
Matzo Pizza
Make matzo pizza with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, basil, and your preferred toppings!
Simple to make, but just in case, here’s a recipe!
Peanut Butter & Jelly on Matzo
Peanut butter was once designated not Kosher, so Jews could not consume it during Passover. But in 2016, rabbis with the Conservative movement announced kitniyot is now permitted! For those who do not know, kitniyot means legumes in Hebrew, so peanut butter (peanuts are legumes) is an approved Passover food, especially loved by college students!
Chopped Liver on Matzo
One of the most nutritionally dense foods, chopped liver, is vitamin-rich (including vitamins A & B, folate, copper, and iron). Chopped liver ingredients include chicken liver, onion, egg, and fat. Spread on matzo, and you’ll have to trust me, it is delicious! This recipe from Serious Eats will teach you how to make traditional chopped liver.
Lox & Cream Cheese on Matzo
Another easy-to-make combination is Lox (salmon) and cream cheese. Add a few capers and onions, and the flavors are next-level amazing!
Kosher Gifts
Are you searching for a Kosher gift to wish someone a happy Passover? We have a selection of Kosher Gift Baskets on our website www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com.
Happy Passover and Chag Sameach!