Passover Feast: Delicious and Traditional Recipes for Your Seder (סדר)

Passover is a joyous celebration of freedom and springtime. Food plays a central role in the Seder, the ceremonial meal that marks the beginning of the holiday. The Seder is the traditional Passover meal that holds deep significance for Jewish people.

Passover Feast: Delicious and Traditional Recipes for Your Seder

Passover is a week-long Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Seder, a ritual meal held on the first and second nights of Passover, is a central part of the celebration.

Let’s explore 5 delicious Passover recipes. These recipes are all easy to follow and perfect for both experienced and novice cooks. Whether you’re looking for classic dishes or something new and exciting, you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy.

1. Matzo Ball Soup: A Passover Classic

Matzo ball soup is a quintessential Passover dish. Fluffy matzo balls simmering in a rich chicken broth is a comforting and satisfying starter for your Seder meal. There are many variations on this recipe, but this guide will provide you with a basic and delicious version.

Matzo ball soup is a comforting and delicious starter for your Passover Seder meal. Here’s a basic recipe that’s easy to follow:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Whisk together the eggs and oil in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the matzo meal, salt, and pepper.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the matzo balls tough.
5. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the matzo meal to absorb the liquid and soften.
6. Wet your hands and gently roll the matzo ball mixture into golf-ball sized balls.
7. Reduce the heat to low and carefully drop the matzo balls into the simmering chicken broth.
8. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the matzo balls are cooked through and float to the surface.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).

Tips: Use high-quality chicken broth for the most flavorful soup. Let the matzo balls rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure they hold their shape.

2. Charoset: A Symbol of Spring and Freedom

Charoset is a sweet and symbolic dish traditionally made with chopped nuts, apples, pears, wine, and spices. It represents the mortar used by the Israelites during their enslavement in Egypt. This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic charoset using dried fruits and a touch of honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dried figs, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup sweet red wine (or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped apples, walnuts, dates, and figs. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped, but still has some texture.
2. Add the red wine (or grape juice), honey, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Pulse a few more times to combine.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness with additional honey if desired. The charoset should be sweet, but not overly so.
4. Transfer the charoset to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, fruits, and spices to create your own unique charoset.

3. Roasted Chicken with Vegetables: A Hearty Main Course

A roasted chicken with vegetables is a perfect main course for your Seder. It’s simple to prepare and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole roasting chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, getting under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onion wedges around the chicken.
5. Tuck the garlic cloves around the vegetables, if using.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This will help prevent the chicken and vegetables from drying out.
7. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Baste the chicken and vegetables with the pan drippings every 20-30 minutes for extra flavor.
9. If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top of the pan.
10. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips: Roasting vegetables alongside the chicken infuses them with flavor from the chicken drippings. Brining the chicken for a few hours before roasting ensures it stays moist and flavorful.

4. Matzo Brei with Caramelized Onions: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Food

Matzo brei is a traditional Passover breakfast dish made with crumbled matzo, eggs, and sometimes other ingredients. This recipe elevates the classic dish with the addition of caramelized onions, offering a sweet and savory combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• Pinch of salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 sheets of matzo, broken into pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Sour cream or applesauce (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Be patient, as this step brings out the deep sweetness of the onions.
2. While the onions are caramelizing, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl.
3. Increase the heat to medium. Add the broken matzo pieces to the pan with the caramelized onions and cook for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, to toast the matzo slightly.
4. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan with the matzo and onions. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your desired doneness. If you prefer a softer matzo brei, cook for a shorter time.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley (optional). Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on the side.

Variations: You can add other ingredients to your matzo brei, such as chopped vegetables, cheese, or cooked meat.

5. Flourless Chocolate Cake: A Decadent Passover Dessert

Flourless chocolate cake is a rich and delicious dessert that is naturally gluten-free and perfect for Passover. This recipe is simple to follow and results in a decadent and satisfying end to your Seder meal.

Ingredients (all Kosher for Passover):

• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (at least 60% cacao)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Whipped cream or fresh berries (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
5. Stir in the melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and salt (and vanilla extract, if using). Mix until just combined, be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not completely clean). The cake may have a slight wobble in the center, but it will firm up as it cools.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing the sides of the springform pan.
9. Serve at room temperature with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Tips: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Dust the cake with powdered sugar or top it with fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Celebrating Passover with Delicious Traditions

Passover is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. With these recipes in hand, you can create a memorable and festive Seder meal that celebrates the traditions of Passover while indulging in flavorful dishes. What’s your favorite Passover recipe? Let us know in the comments!