Passover, a holiday celebrated by Jewish people worldwide, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. This celebration, steeped in rich traditions, includes a seder meal with specific foods and rituals. Jamie Geller, a well-known chef, and author of Jewish cuisine, has shared numerous recipes perfect for this festive occasion. Here, we delve into some of Jamie Geller's favorite Passover recipes that can elevate your Passover celebration with their unique flavors and traditions.
Jamie Geller’s Beef Brisket
Beef brisket is a Passover staple, offering both comfort and tradition. Jamie’s approach to this dish brings out the meat’s natural flavors through a meticulous cooking process:
- Ingredients:
- Beef brisket (5-6 lbs)
- Salt, pepper
- Onions, carrots, celery
- Garlic
- Red wine or beef broth
- Tomato paste or tomato sauce
- Fresh thyme, rosemary
Steps:
- Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
- Sear the brisket in a hot oven or pan to create a flavorful crust.
- Lay a bed of onions, carrots, and celery at the bottom of your roasting pan.
- Place the brisket over the vegetables, then add garlic, wine or broth, tomato paste, and herbs.
- Cover tightly and braise in the oven at a low temperature for several hours until tender.
- After braising, let the brisket rest before slicing against the grain.
💡 Note: Allow the brisket to rest after cooking to retain its juices.
Passover Matzo Brei
This delightful breakfast or brunch dish, made from broken matzo, is a treat during Passover:
- Ingredients:
- Matzo
- Eggs
- Salt, pepper
- Butter or oil
- Optional: Sugar, cinnamon, fruit preserves
Steps:
- Break matzo into pieces, soak briefly in water, then drain.
- Beat eggs with salt and pepper.
- Mix the softened matzo with the egg mixture.
- Cook in a hot skillet with butter or oil until set, then flip to cook the other side.
- Serve with toppings of your choice or simply seasoned.
💡 Note: For a sweet version, add sugar and cinnamon to the egg mixture.
Jamie Geller’s Sweet Potato Casserole
A perfect side dish to accompany the main course, this casserole balances sweetness with savory notes:
- Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes (4 lbs)
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Eggs
- Nutmeg, cinnamon
- Topping: pecans or marshmallows (optional)
Steps:
- Boil or roast sweet potatoes until soft, then mash.
- Mix with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and spices.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with pecans or marshmallows if desired.
- Bake until heated through and the topping is golden or marshmallows are toasted.
Matzo Ball Soup
No Passover celebration is complete without the comforting Matzo Ball Soup. Jamie Geller’s recipe ensures light and fluffy matzo balls:
- Ingredients for Matzo Balls:
- Matzo meal
- Eggs
- Schmaltz or oil
- Seltzer water or chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, dill
- Ingredients for Soup:
- Chicken broth
- Cooked chicken or chicken necks and wings
- Vegetables: carrots, celery, parsnip
- Fresh dill, parsley
Steps for Matzo Balls:
- Combine matzo meal with eggs, fat, seltzer or broth, and seasonings.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Form into balls and drop into boiling soup or salted water.
- Cook until the balls float to the top, indicating they are done.
Steps for Soup:
- Simmer chicken broth with vegetables until flavors meld.
- Add dill and parsley towards the end for freshness.
- Adjust seasoning and drop in the prepared matzo balls to serve.
💡 Note: Chilling the matzo ball mixture helps them keep their shape while cooking.
This collection of Jamie Geller's favorite Passover recipes encapsulates the essence of the holiday—tradition, family, and of course, delicious food. Each recipe not only adds a touch of culinary delight to your Passover table but also carries the symbolic weight of history and heritage. By integrating these dishes into your seder, you're not just feeding the body but nourishing the soul with stories and memories passed down through generations.
Can I make Passover recipes in advance?
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Yes, many Passover recipes, especially those like Jamie Geller’s Beef Brisket or the Sweet Potato Casserole, can be prepared in advance. They often benefit from resting or chilling to meld flavors or set the dish.
Are there vegetarian options for Passover?
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Absolutely. Matzo Brei can be made without meat, and dishes like potato kugel or vegetable-based soups can be vegetarian-friendly, focusing on fresh produce and legumes (except for Ashkenazi Jews who avoid kitniyot).
What substitutes can I use for traditional ingredients in these recipes?
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If you’re looking to keep kosher for Passover, you might avoid common ingredients like cornstarch or legumes. For example, potato starch or matzo meal can be used instead of flour. For a sweeter dish like Matzo Brei, honey or maple syrup can replace sugar if needed.
How do I ensure my matzo balls are light and fluffy?
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The key to light matzo balls is not to overmix the batter, use seltzer water for extra fluffiness, and let the mixture rest in the fridge before cooking. Also, using less baking powder or fat can lead to denser balls, so balance these carefully.
