Passover can require great strength and determination to steer clear of all gluten products. Speaking from experience, I can vouch that it’s not an easy eight days! My family seder is usually pretty long, with stomachs rumbling by the time we finally say the last prayer. However, with these traditional dishes on the Passover menu, the post-Passover meal can still be tasty, enjoyable, and not leave you longing for carbs. Whether it’s your first Passover meal or you just need a refresher, here’s what you can expect to see on a traditional Passover menu.
1. Matzo Balls
Originating in Eastern Europe, matzo balls are a traditional Passover menu staple served at the start of most Passover meals and seders. They are served in a chicken broth soup and made from a mix of matzo meal, eggs, water, and oil. Anybody who has ever tasted matzo ball soup would agree that it’s towards on top of the list for best comfort food.
2. Kugel
Kugel is a traditional Jewish baked pudding/casserole that is actually eaten throughout the year; however, it is modified for Passover to meet the dietary restrictions observed during the holiday. The options for making kugel are endless, but during Passover it’s made with a kosher for Passover noodle, eggs, and sugar
3. Gefilte Fish
Gefilte fish is one of the items on the Passover menu that you either love or hate, and oftentimes it can give Jewish cuisine a bad reputation. Gefilte fish is simply a “fish meatloaf” made out of ground fish, onions, starch, and eggs. Typically, it is served straight from the jar with bright pink, beet-dyed horseradish.
4. Tzimmes
A popular side dish, tzimmes (Yiddush for “a big fuss”) is similar to a stew and has endless variations. Most tzimmes can be seen with roasted chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, and mix of dried fruits. The combination of all the vegetables and fruits creates a sweet and savory mix.
5. Chopped Liver
This one also falls under the gefilte fish love/hate relationship. It is commonly served on matzah during Passover and is created with chicken livers, fried onions, and hard-boiled eggs. For anyone who grew up eating chopped liver, you know it’s a must for any Jewish holiday.
6. Farfel
Since Jews are restricted from eating any gluten during Passover, we have become very crafty with thousands of ways to use matzah. Farfel was created to mimic a traditional pasta, but with a wheat-free twist. The matzah is broken into tiny pieces and cooked into egg and matzah meal. Various vegetables can be cooked with the farfel, however it’s traditionally made with mushrooms.
7. Brisket
What’s a Passover meal without mom’s famous brisket? The beef becomes extremely tender after basting the oven for hours. This main dish is to be expected on every family’s Passover menu.
8. Sponge Cake
Of course we can’t forget dessert! Sponge cake is a Passover essential and it tastes just like traditional sponge cake, but matzah meal is used in place of flour. The light, fluffy cake is irresistible. To top off the cake and add an even sweeter element, finish with some berries.
9. Chocolate-Covered Matzah
What happens when you cover anything in chocolate? Magic, duh. This basic treat will definitely meet your sweet craving throughout the eight days.
10. Macaroons
This yummy Passover dessert is essentially a coconut cookie that’s usually covered with chocolate. Not to be confused with the French macaron, these coconut mounds are sweet and ~moist~.
Hopefully you now know what to reach for on the Passover table and what to avoid. Almost all of these dishes are present at my yearly seder, and I look forward to eating them as Passover comes around again each year. As a disclaimer, don’t try everything on night one, because there are eight days of these same repeated dishes to come!