How do you like your Matzah?

How do you like your Matzah?

Contrary to popular belief, Passover does not have to be a food desert. Check out these delectable entrees and sweet treats. Remember to eat lots of fruits and vegetables to balance out all that matzah.

Fruity

Pear, Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Goat Cheese Matzah Pizza

1 pear, sliced very thin 
4 sheets matzah 
Freshly ground black pepper 
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 
Extra virgin olive oil 
1 package of cherry tomatoes 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray and lay out 4 sheets of matzah. Layer slices of pears over matzo, then tomatoes, then goat cheese crumbles. Bake for 4 minutes. Using a pizza wheel slice each matzo sheet in half lengthwise and crosswise to create 4 bite sized squares per sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. 

Sweet

Chocolate, Nut, and Dried Fruit Covered Matzah

11 pieces Matzah (about 1 box) 
11 ounces white chocolate, melted 
11 ounces dark chocolate, melted 
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts, toasted 
1 1/2 cups dried fruit or crystallized ginger, chopped 

Place matzah on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Brush one side of matzah with either the white or dark chocolate; drizzle over dark chocolate, if matzah was brushed with white chocolate, or white chocolate, if matzah was brushed with dark chocolate. Sprinkle over nuts and fruit. Transfer matzah to refrigerator until chocolate is set, about 15 minutes. Break into pieces. Serve immediately. 

Crunchy

Matzah Nachos

2 plum tomatoes, small diced 
1 medium white onion, small diced 
1 jalapeño, small diced 
Juice from 1/2 lime 
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced, plus more for garnish 
Salt and pepper 
2 pieces matzah, broken into large pieces 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or your favorite), shredded or in pieces 
1/2 avocado diced 
1/4 cup Greek yogurt 

First, make pico de gallo. Combine tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Then, drizzle your matzah pieces with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for about 5-8 minutes until browned. Then add cheese, and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is all melty. Top with goodies of your choice! Suggestions: pico de gallo, avocado, Greek yogurt and lots of cilantro. 

Soft

Matzah Brei

1 egg 
1 sheet matzah 
1 tbsp vegetable oil 
Salt and pepper 

Take the matzo and break into small pieces into a bowl. Cover with hot water for a minute. Then squeeze out the water. 

Heat frying pan with a little oil. Pour mixture into the pan. Brown one side and turn over. In a small bowl, beat egg with salt and pepper to taste and add to matzah. Mix well. 

Optional Extras: Applesauce, sour cream, sugar, cinnamon, apples, nuts… you can even get creative and add grated cheese or diced veggies.

Chocolatey

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup matzah meal 
1 cup matzah farfel 
3/4 cup granulated sugar 
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
2 large eggs 
1/2 cup vegetable oil 
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
1 cup nondairy semisweet chocolate chips 
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together matzah meal, farfel, sugars, and salt. Whisk together eggs, oil, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir egg mixture into sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Roll dough into 1 3/4-inch balls; space 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until golden, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.