Essential Passover Recipes and Guide from Smitten Kitchen

Passover: A Delicious Tradition with Smitten Kitchen

Passover, or Pesach, is one of the most cherished Jewish holidays, marked by rituals, togetherness, and of course, an iconic Seder meal. For those hosting or attending, planning a Passover menu can feel both exciting and daunting—especially when striving to honor tradition with a touch of culinary flair.

Drawing inspiration from Smitten Kitchen’s celebrated collection, this guide provides everything you need for a meaningful, flavor-packed Passover. From centerpiece mains and cozy soups to vibrant sides and world-class desserts—all designed to meet Passover’s dietary guidelines—these recipes help turn your festival table into a feast.

Table of Contents

• Starters and Soups
• Main Courses
• Sides and Salads
• Passover Desserts
• Creative & Modern Passover Dishes
• Tips for Planning a Seder
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Starters and Soups

An inviting Seder meal often begins with comforting, flavorful starters. Smitten Kitchen offers approachable takes on beloved classics that will warm any gathering.

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is more than a holiday staple—it’s a symbol of comfort and memory. Smitten Kitchen’s rendition emphasizes light, tender matzo balls nestled in a rich homemade chicken broth—delicious enough to earn its place at every Seder.

Tips for the best results:

• Use seltzer for the fluffiest matzo balls.
• Let the mixture rest before shaping.
• Gently simmer, never boil, the matzo balls to maintain a delicate texture.
• Enhance the broth with fresh dill and carrots for color and flavor.

Chicken Liver Pâté

A creamy, savory chicken liver pâté offers a bit of Old World charm and makes a perfect appetizer spread on matzah or served with pickled onions. This recipe focuses on slow-cooked onions and garlic to amplify flavor, blended until creamy and seasoned with a touch of sherry or marsala (optional).

Vegetable Starters

• Snacky Asparagus: Bright green asparagus drizzled with lemon and olive oil, served on a platter for dipping.
• Cauliflower Salad with Dates and Pistachios: Roasted cauliflower meets charred scallions, sweet dates, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing for a spring salad that keeps guests coming back.

Main Courses

Main courses are the heart of any Passover feast, often featuring slow, comforting braises or inventive vegetarian centerpieces.

Simplest Brisket with Braised Onions

Brisket is a Seder table classic, loved for its deep flavor and comforting texture. Smitten Kitchen’s approach pairs brisket with sweet, slow-braised onions and garlic, creating a meal that tastes even better the next day.

Basic Method:

1. Generously season brisket with kosher salt and pepper.
2. Brown on all sides in a Dutch oven.
3. Layer the bottom with piles of onions and smashed garlic.
4. Add tomato paste and carrots (optional, but recommended for sweetness).
5. Return brisket, cover, and slowly braise in the oven until meltingly tender.
6. Rest, slice, and serve with the reduced, savory pan sauce.

Tangy Spiced Brisket

This variation offers a flavor punch—aromatic spices, a bright tomatoey base, and enough acidity to balance the richness. It’s renowned for being impossible to dry out and even better reheated.

Vegan & Vegetarian Entrées

• Brisket-Braised Chickpeas: All the deep flavors of a classic brisket, reimagined for a plant-based Seder main. Braised chickpeas absorb aromatic spices and a savory tomato broth.
• Pea, Feta, and Mint Fritters: Bright and herbaceous, these fritters are a fresh, protein-rich alternative for vegetarians.

Sides and Salads

No Seder is complete without a supporting cast of fresh and comforting side dishes. Here are some Smitten Kitchen standouts:

Potato Kugel

A crispy, golden-edged “mega-latke”—this potato kugel delivers deeply crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Perfect with eggs at breakfast or as a side to roast meats.
Tips: Use starchy potatoes, squeeze out excess water, and don’t skimp on the oil for those signature crispy edges!

Farfel (or Matzah) Stuffing

This simple yet nostalgic stuffing combines matzah farfel, sautéed onions, celery, eggs, and a touch of fat (olive oil or schmaltz) for flavor. Customize it with fresh herbs, mushrooms, or dried fruit if desired.

• Use matzah farfel or crushed matzah as the base.
• Sauté onions and celery until soft.
• Mix with beaten eggs and broil or bake until golden on top.

Mustard Roasted Potatoes

Golden, crispy roasted potatoes tossed with whole grain mustard for bite and freshness.

Additional Sides

• Charoset: Traditional or modern takes; think apple-walnut or date-pistachio blends, spiked with wine and warming spices.
• Salads: Fresh greens and herb-packed salads lighten the holiday table; consider kale caesar or a tangy spring mix.

Passover Desserts

Passover desserts are a playground for creativity, with flourless cakes, chewy cookies, and chocolatey marvels that satisfy every craving.

Chocolate-Walnut Cookies (Flourless)

Crisp on the outside, chewy in the center, and brimming with intense chocolate aroma. Made flourless with ground walnuts and egg whites, these cookies perfectly epitomize Smitten Kitchen-style indulgence for Passover. Key points:

• No flour or leaveners needed.
• Walnuts add both texture and depth.
• Use kosher-for-Passover confectioner’s sugar or DIY with potato starch.

Chocolate Caramel Crackers (Matzo Toffee)

Often called “matzo crack,” these sweet-salty treats feature matzo layered with buttery toffee, chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Finish with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
This dessert is a go-to for its speed and utter crowd-pleasing power.

Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova Stack

Meringue lovers, rejoice: This stack of crisp-edged, marshmallow-like meringues sandwiched with chocolate and raspberry is visually stunning and naturally gluten-free.

Raspberry Coconut Macaroons

Forget what you know about dry coconut macaroons. This marbled version, swirled with pureed raspberries, is aromatic, chewy, and easy to make.

Flourless Cakes & Tortes

• Chocolate Hazelnut Macaroon Torte: Thin layers of hazelnut macaroon and bittersweet chocolate sandwiched with whipped cream. The perfect showstopper and surprisingly light.
• Toasted Pecan Cake: Made with just a few pantry staples, this deeply nutty, gluten-free cake comes together without separating any eggs. Top with whipped cream and berries for added festivity.
• Almond Cake with Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote: Airy, almond-rich cake crowned with a tangy fruit compote—ideal for a spring Seder dessert.

Other Sweet Treats

• Almond Horn Cookies—chewy and almond-forward, often dipped in chocolate for a classic European twist.
• Blackberry and Coconut Macaroon Tart—juicy berries and coconut, nestled in a golden macaroon crust.

Creative & Modern Passover Dishes

Smitten Kitchen excels at updating tradition, offering a roster of modern takes that will liven up your table without straying from Passover requirements.

Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms

A one-skillet brunch or dinner dish: eggs baked until just set in a nest of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and parmesan (if your custom allows dairy; otherwise, omit). Top with herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Potato Gnocchi and Orzo Alternatives

• Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi with Pistachio Pesto: Light ricotta dumplings, pan-toasted and topped with a vibrant green, nutty pesto—gluten-free and festive.
• Baked Orzo and Artichokes: For those with a Sephardi tradition or during other times of year, a comforting casserole of orzo pasta and tender artichokes is both hearty and spring-forward.

Cauliflower Salad with Dates and Pistachios

Roasted, caramelized cauliflower is tossed with sweet dates, crunchy salted pistachios, and a tart lemon dressing—ideal for a lighter, plant-based accompaniment.

Tips for Planning Your Passover Seder

• Prepare in Advance: Many Passover dishes (brisket, cakes, and cookies) improve with time. Prep desserts and mains 1–2 days early for best flavor and less day-of stress.
• Read Ingredients: Especially with packaged goods like sugar, chocolate, and baking powder, verify Passover suitability. Use potato starch where required (especially for desserts).
• Balance Your Menu: Pair rich mains and kugels with lighter salads or roasted vegetables for freshness.
• Embrace Modern Flourless Baking: Flourless cakes, nut-based crusts, and macaroons reinvent Passover baking—and help gluten-free guests feel at home.
• Include Vegan or Vegetarian Dishes: Offer plant-based options such as braised chickpeas or roasted vegetable platters for an inclusive table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes a recipe kosher for Passover?

For Ashkenazi tradition, recipes must avoid chametz (leavened grains: wheat, barley, spelt, oats, rye). Many also avoid kitniyot (legumes, corn, rice), though Sephardi customs vary. Smitten Kitchen recipes specify when ingredients need substitution (such as confectioner’s sugar or baking powder).

Can I make brisket ahead of time?

Yes! Brisket tastes even better a day or two after cooking. Chill, then slice and reheat with the braising liquid for serving.

What are the best Passover desserts for a crowd?

Chocolate caramel matzo (“matzo crack”), flourless chocolate walnut cookies, and coconut macaroons are all easy to scale and universally loved.

How can I include gluten-free guests?

Focus on flourless cakes, nut-based cookies, potato kugel, and naturally gluten-free vegetable dishes. All of the featured desserts and many sides are naturally gluten-free, making Passover one of the easiest holidays to accommodate these needs.

Any tips for making matzo balls extra fluffy?

Use seltzer or sparkling water and refrain from overmixing. Chill the dough before shaping and simmer gently for a tender result.

Summary Table: Smitten Kitchen’s Passover Menu Essentials

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting your first Seder or looking for new inspiration, Smitten Kitchen’s Passover recipes provide approachable, unforgettable dishes for all experience levels. Adapt, experiment, and celebrate a holiday rich in flavor and tradition.

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