The Passover seder is a sacred meal for Jewish families all over the globe. But if your family is anything like mine, then the food can be completely decadent and anything but health-conscious. To bring some fresh, healthy foods to your table — that won't have anyone missing the traditional flavors you grew up with — here are nine great recipes to add to your seder this year!
It there's one star of the Passover celebration, it just might be the ceremonious Seder dinner. Filled with food and rich in history, the ritual meal features a special Seder plate with symbolic foods — from bitter herbs to lamb shank, there's a special meaning behind each selection. Read on for a guide to the perfect Passover plate.
As a ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, Passover Seder is a celebration rich with cultural traditions that varies slightly from household to household. The focus of the meal is centered on retelling the story of the liberation of the Israelites from ancient Egyptian slavery and includes customs like drinking four cups of wine, eating matzo, and assembling and eating symbolic foods from the Passover Seder plate. We love to see how Passover Seder tables are set; from the heirloom rich to more modern DIY interpretations, these are some of the table-setting ideas that inspired us this week!
Despite my lifelong affinity for Jewish culture and food, I'm sad to say that I have never attended a Passover Seder. After all, even the Obamas attended one this year! Assuming that one day I'll be the recipient of an invite, I look forward to eating from the ke'ara, or Passover Seder plate. I already know what most of the items symbolize! How about you?
Source: Flickr User revenante
This Passover, I'm suggesting that you think outside the traditional Seder box. Instead of serving the expected menu, plan a meal that highlights matzo.
All of the dishes on this menu, from the starter to the side, include the cracker-like substitute for bread — even the dessert. Treat guests to homemade toffee-chocolate matzah!
It's similar to saltine toffee but uses matzo instead of saltines. It's an easy dessert that also doubles as a fun edible gift. Want the recipe? Read more.
Passover begins next Tuesday, March 30, and along with it comes the ceremonious dinner known as a Seder. While the rituals surrounding the Seder are traditional, this year, I encourage you to serve a modern meal inspired by matzo. This staple can be used in all sorts of applications, and each dish on my menu incorporates it. Start with crowd-pleasing and classic matzo ball soup jazzed up with dill-horseradish pistou.
For the main course, offer roasted salmon with lemon-herb matzo crust. On the side? A cheesy spinach and matzo pie. For these delicious recipes, keep on reading.
Passover revolves around a traditional ceremony at a dining table, so take the time to set the table a couple of days before the dinner party. Cover the table with a printed satin gray tablecloth. Place a plate in front of each seat and top it with a gray napkin (preferably one that matches the tablecloth) rolled into a silver napkin ring. Use your best flatware and properly set the silverware with the forks on the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate. A spoon is necessary for enjoying the matzo ball soup — it goes on the outside of the knives. White wine and red wine glasses belong on the upper right side of the plate. For an intimate glowing atmosphere, light low candles. Fill a silver vase with flowing white flowers and make the Seder plate the centerpiece and focal point.
To make your Seder dinner extra special, consider selecting a specific wine to pair with each course — just be sure to choose wine that is kosher. Start the meal off with a dry minerally Chenin Blanc from Baron Herzog Cellars. A crisp white will complement both the green salad and matzo-crusted trout. Pour a Sauvignon Blanc — like New Zealand's Goose Bay winery's bottle that's highly regarded, affordable, and kosher — with the matzo ball soup. For the main course, choose a smokey, fruity Shiraz from Teal Lake. For dessert offer a kosher muscat by Mony winery.
What wines will you be sipping on Passover? Share your favorite bottles with us below!
After a rich Seder dinner, serve guests a delicate dessert in the form of cookies. Coconut macaroons are a traditional Passover treat because no leavened flour products are needed to make the chewy, sweet cookies. For those craving chocolate, offer flourless chocolate-walnut cookies. Packed with cocoa and nuts they are delicious and fit friendly. Both of these cookies can be made and plated in advance leaving you plenty of time to participate in the ceremony and catch up with family. For the recipes, read more
Use tones of blue, white, and silver for the look of your Passover Seder dinner. To bring focus to the table, cover it with a gorgeous silver cloth. For each place setting, use navy blue placemats and white, blue, and silver fine china. Pour the ceremonial wine in to elegant crystal wine goblets. Don't forget to set four glasses for each setting. A sleek silver bowl is perfect for the traditional washing of the hands. The most important part of the ritual is the Seder plate so place yours where all the guests can admire it. Finish off the look with blue and white candles and fresh flowers. Since songs are sung throughout the meal, harmonicas are festive and fun party favors.
