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by Marni Fogelson
Passover’s associated dietary restrictions are admittedly easier to follow today with so many of us on Paleo, gluten-free, low-carb, or other diets that regularly eschew bread and baked goods. While you can also find plenty of boxed kosher for Passover options at most grocery stores, nothing tastes quite as delicious as made-from-scratch creations, preferably cooked by your grandma. We can’t provide the matriarchal figure, but we have found recipes that will make you a gracious hostess or a welcome guest at the Passover table. Pull out the Manishevitz and get ready to menu plan for the festivities.
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Coconut Ginger Carrot Rice
Coconut ginger carrot “rice” is the perfect grain-free side dish for any Passover meal. A healthier alternative to grains, chopped carrots substitute regular rice, while shredded coconut and fresh ginger add flavor.
Boneless Leg of Lamb With Tarragon Rub
Roasted with savory tarragon, garlic, and capers, this lamb makes a wonderful Passover entrée. Pair with a handful of side dishes and you’ve got yourself a feast.
Kale and Mango Salad
Juicy mango and fresh blueberries sit on a bed of crispy kale in this spring salad. Pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of honey top it off for a simple yet flavorful dish.
Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf
Traditional pilaf is made Passover-friendly with quinoa in lieu of rice. This dish, which can be served hot or cold, is ideal for mushroom lovers and includes a medley of portobello, crimini, and white mushrooms for added flavor.
Chicken with Prunes, Apricots, and Olives
Prunes, apricots, and brown sugar add an unexpected sweetness to this roast chicken, while the olives and white wine bring on a savory and tangy twist.
Gingery Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes
Impart your Passover table with a bright burst of color with these sweet veggies.
Roasted Beet, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Salad
Colorful and packed with flavor, this salad comes topped with sweet and savory roasted beets, nutty pecans, and a tangy honey balsamic vinaigrette.
B
raised Fennel with Apricots and Figs
Aromatic fennel, juicy dried figs, and apricots simmer together in a mixture of orange juice and wine. Topped with crunchy chopped pistachios, this naturally gluten-free dish is full of unique flavors.
Vegetable Kugel with Caramelized Leeks
Packed with veggies, this spin on traditional kugel is just what the rabbi ordered for a holiday that celebrates spring and all of the season’s produce. The vegetable kugel is a great make-ahead option and an easy dish to transport to your hostess’s house.
Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Soufflés
Elegant goat cheese soufflés are sure to be a hit during Passover. Folding cauliflower puree into the mix adds veggie power and fiber and compliments the one-two punch of goat cheese and parmesan.
Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Quinoa
Comfort food with a twist. These vegetarian cabbage rolls look like the come from the Old Country, but their quinoa filling is a welcome, protein-filled update.
Potato Kugel Gratin
This dish is a culinary mash up of some of our favorite childhood foods: kugel and potato gratin. Easily made gluten-free, this gratin features thinly sliced potatoes, eggs, and fresh herbs; it is then baked and browned. Don’t expect any leftovers for this one-kids and adults will be scraping the pan.
Zucchini Pasta
Substituting zucchini strips or ribbons for pasta (aka zoodles) is a handy trick that can be used for a healthy alternative any time of the year. Adding meaty mushrooms and a luscious tomato sauce will satisfy your belly.
Carrot Sweet Potato Tzimmes
Tzimmes, a stew-like dish with roots in eastern Europe, is a staple during multiple Jewish holidays. Instead of fussing over a hot stove, you can just let your oven do all the work by roasting veggies the olive oil and orange juice until tender.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a popular dish in north African countries like Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt as well as in Israel. Full of flavor and heat, shakshuka is often served at breakfast, but we’d take it any hour.
Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Cilantro Pesto
Be the adventurous guest at the seder table and bring these yummy-looking roasted sweet potato slices topped with a homemade cilantro pesto. Roasted sweet potatoes are always a hit, and the spice and nuttiness from the pesto will awaken taste buds.
Eggplant Rollups with Cheese and Spinach
An Italian-inspired dish, these eggplant rollups use matzo meal for battering, making them perfect for Passover. Whether you make them for a crowd or so that you can have a yummy meal as well as multiple leftovers, the rollups could also be filled with other veggies to keep the variety going throughout the week.
Matzoh Ball Soup
No list of Passover recipes is complete without matzoh ball soup. This semi-homemade version uses a matzoh ball mix for those who lack patience or time. Make your own broth or use your favorite flavorful brand and simmer with a bunch of veggies for a satisfying start to the holiday.