Passover is coming up and it is coming up fast. By fast, I mean now. Passover means something different for everyone. On the most superficial level, this year Passover meant shelling out more money to attend weekend 1 of Coachella so you could appease your family and attend the Passover festivities.
On a foodie level, Passover means planning how you will keep Kosher while still satisfying your craving for well, anything and everything. Some people see Passover as an excuse to shy away from carbs. To that I say "Aw, cute, but thats a firm no for me, thanks."
Now is the time for your best Matzo meals to shine! Grocery stores practically smack you in the face with it as you walk in so why not embrace it. We have suffered enough, I am putting my foot down on giving up carbs.
Here are some ideas for how to incorporate matzo bread into every meal.
Breakfast
Photo: bonappetit.com
Matzo Avocado Toast
Jews who also identify as hipsters, Los Angelenos, Avocado-fiends, and honestly people who just like a simple breakfast rejoice! A simple subsititution of the "toast" part of your beloved avocado toast will not only make your lovely Jewish grandma proud but it will start your day off in a healthy, Instagram-worthy way. Who says this keeping kosher thing is hard. Psh, we got this.
Pro tip: If you feel it won’t fill you up because of the unleavened bread, try adding a hard boiled egg to your toast.
Lunch
Open-faced sandwich
For lunch try an open- faced sandwich. The fact that it isn’t topped with another piece of matzo is great for two reasons. 1. Without the extra matzo on top, it won't crumble into a mess on your lap after the first bite 2. Too much matzo can mean too much of a good thing and Passover is a marathon not a sprint.
The inner child in you can now relax, a grilled cheese on matzo bread will still be delicious. The college kid on a budget can still make the ultimate whatever-is-in-the-fridge sandwich and the more sophisticated palate can still indulge. From a simple peanut butter and jelly to a more sophisticated meal such as goat cheese, tomato and arugula, there is sure to be an option for everyone. A simple chicken salad on matzo is a delicious classic that comes highly recommended by me
Snack time
Photo: coisasdetere.tumblr.com
Cheese and Fruit platter (with Matzo)
Cheese and fruit compliment each other so beautifully you won't even miss the yeast in your bread. The Matzo cracker simply acts as a vehicle in which to deliver this delicious (and healthy) snack.
The snack gets even better because there is so much variety in one. I mean, do you go with the apple and asiago or the grape and brie? Do you put your cheese on the matzo and forgo the fruit or switch it up and just do fruit and cheese? The possibilities are endless! It’s the little things in life.
Dinner
Photo: Food.com
Pizza!
Stolen by skinny recipe cookbooks time and time again, it is time for us Jews to reclaim what is rightfully ours: MATZO BREAD PIZZA!
If you are a major fan of the crust part of your pizza you may be bumming a little at this alternative but any pizza is better than no pizza: FACT! Up your cheese ratio to make up for the lack of bread, add on some extra toppings, dip in your favorite sauce, and sit back and enjoy.
Dessert
Photo: marthastewart.com
Chocolate Matzo Bark
In case you really just can’t get enough of unleavened bread and want to indulge in its sweeter side. Chocolate dipped Matzo is a classic and it is so easy to make. Add some sea salt and any other topping your beautiful, keeping-kosher, heart desires and it's basically a gourmet chocolate dessert for a portion of the price.
Happy Passover!
