Gourmet Passover Recipes for an Unforgettable 2017 Seder

As the springtime holiday of Passover approaches in 2017, it's time to gear up for a memorable Seder dinner. This festival commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and is celebrated with rich traditions, one of which includes a feast of symbolic foods. While matzo ball soup and gefilte fish are staples, why not elevate your Seder table with a selection of gourmet Passover recipes? Here, we dive into a collection of dishes that promise to delight your taste buds, captivate your senses, and respect the traditional dietary restrictions of Passover.

Reinventing Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is a non-negotiable item on any Seder menu, but this year, let's twist it up. Here's how to make a gourmet version of this classic:

• Herbed Matzo Balls: Add chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to the matzo meal. These herbs bring a vibrant flavor profile to the soup.
• Rich Broth: Instead of using just chicken bones, incorporate oxtail, beef bones, or even duck for a richer, more complex broth. Don’t forget to skim the foam off to ensure clarity.
• Exotic Vegetables: Beyond the standard carrots and celery, try adding fennel, leeks, or even a bit of preserved lemon for a unique taste.

Recipe: Gourmet Matzo Ball Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups matzo meal
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, and chives
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup seltzer water
• Salt, to taste
• 1 large chicken, quartered or 4 lbs of chicken pieces
• 1 lb oxtail or beef bones
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, sliced
• 1 piece of preserved lemon, finely chopped
• 1 onion, halved
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• Water

🍵 Note: Using seltzer water makes matzo balls extra fluffy.

Elevating the Seder Plate

The Seder plate holds the key symbols of Passover. Here are some elevated ideas to incorporate:

• Horseradish: Opt for freshly grated horseradish. You could even infuse it with beet juice for a unique twist.
• Charoset: Experiment with international versions like Italian Charoset with chestnuts or a Moroccan style with dates and orange blossom water.
• Eggs: Instead of simply boiling them, consider pickling them for an additional layer of flavor.

Recipe: International Charoset

Try making this Moroccan Charoset:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup orange blossom water
• Cinnamon, to taste
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds for garnish

Pulse all ingredients except the pomegranate seeds in a food processor until you get a coarse, nut-fruit mixture. Adjust with more water if necessary. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Gourmet Entrees

Passover has a rich array of traditional dishes, but let's elevate some:

• Short Ribs with Red Wine: Slow-braise short ribs with red wine, beef stock, garlic, shallots, and herbs for an elegant, fall-off-the-bone entree.
• Lamb Loin Chops with Harissa: Grill or pan-sear lamb loin chops and serve with a side of homemade harissa, adding a North African flair.
• Branzino with Artichokes: Whole roasted Branzino stuffed with artichokes, dill, lemon, and garlic gives a Mediterranean touch to your feast.

Recipe: Slow-Braised Short Ribs

Ingredients:

• 6 beef short ribs
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 shallots, sliced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and brown the ribs on all sides. Remove ribs.
3. Add shallots to the pot and cook until they start to brown. Add garlic, cook for a minute.
4. Pour in the red wine, scraping up the browned bits, and reduce by half.
5. Return ribs to the pot, add beef stock, thyme, rosemary, and braise in the oven for about 3 hours or until tender.

Desserts with a Twist

The challenge with Passover desserts is finding recipes without leavened ingredients. Here are gourmet options:

• Coconut Macaroons: Upgrade the classic by adding a drizzle of chocolate or ganache, or mixing in mini-chocolate chips.
• Flourless Chocolate Cake: An intense and decadent dessert that’s naturally gluten-free. Serve with a scoop of almond milk sorbet.
• Almond Paste Cookies: Substitute almond flour for traditional flour and drizzle with a lemon glaze.

Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly.
3. Whisk in sugar, then egg yolks one at a time.
4. Fold in ground hazelnuts.
5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the chocolate mixture in three additions.
6. Pour batter into a greased springform pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool, remove from the pan, and dust with powdered sugar.

🍰 Note: The secret to a good flourless cake is in not over-mixing the batter to keep it light and airy.

In wrapping up the Seder with these gourmet recipes, we not only honor the traditions of Passover but also indulge in the richness of culinary creativity. These dishes are designed to bring joy and a sense of wonder to your Passover table, combining the symbolic foods of the holiday with flavors and techniques that promise to make this year's celebration memorable. From the first bite of herbed matzo balls to the sweet end with a flourless chocolate cake, your Seder in 2017 will be an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

What is the significance of using fresh herbs in matzo balls?

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Herbs bring a fresh taste and vibrant color to matzo balls, enhancing their flavor and aesthetic appeal, aligning with the theme of renewal during Passover.

Why are traditional Passover recipes modified?

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Modification allows for personal expression in cooking, reflecting changes in culinary trends, and providing new, exciting flavors to keep the traditions alive and enjoyable for everyone.

How can one ensure the matzo balls are light and fluffy?

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Using seltzer water in the batter adds air, and not overmixing the matzo meal and egg mixture helps maintain the lightness of the matzo balls.

Can I make these gourmet dishes kosher for Passover?

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Yes, by choosing kosher ingredients, ensuring your kitchen is kosher for Passover, and following kosher cooking guidelines, these dishes can certainly be prepared for a kosher Passover meal.