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In celebration of the Hebrews’ liberation, Passover is a holiday that is important for the Jewish community. In 2021, March 27 to April 4 are the holy days. If you plan to celebrate, you may be wondering which foods are kosher and which ones are not. Never fear, check out our guide below, plus some recipes to inspire you.
Guide to Kosher Foods
Foods that are kosher adhere to the Jewish kashrut dietary regulations. Food that can be eaten is called kosher in English, a derivative of a Hebrew word meaning “fit.” Those who are strictly kosher serve and prepare food in a certain way, only eat meat under certain conditions and refrain from eating shellfish and pork.
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So, what can you (and can you not) eat during Passover?
See the following list for some examples:
Good to Eat
- Matzo
- Rice, beans, corn, edamame and lentils (except for Ashkenazi Jews from Europe; these were approved in 2015 by the Rabbinical Assembly)
- Popcorn
- Legumes and grains
- Eggs
- Fruit
- Vegetable
- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Duck
- Goose
- Fish with scales
- Nuts, nut flour and nut butters
- Cheese and yogurt (with no additives)
- Quinoa
- Spices and herbs
- Broth from vegetables or kosher meat
- Packaged/processed foods with the kosher symbol
- Gebrokts (wet matzo)
Avoid for Now (can eat once again at sundown on the last day)
- Unleavened breads and wheat (prepare to basically follow a gluten free diet)
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Rabbit
- Seafood without scales or fins
- Pork
- Foods with ingredients that use these items (such as gelatin)
- Meat in combination with dairy
- Chametz (for both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews), which includes the grains wheat, oat, barley and spelt
- Yeast
- Sourdough
- Lamb and garlic (depending on your personal preferences)
Passover Recipes
Now that you have a clearer idea of some foods that you can and cannot have, here are some recipes to make.
Vegetables, matzoh meal, herbs, spices and broth make this warm classic dish the perfect main dish for the week. Heat up leftovers and enjoy with a piece or two of matzo. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. Delicious!
Slow cooked and juicy, this meaty main goes well with caramelized onions, carrots and green beans. Or, it also works with mashed potatoes. Just do not forget to use the nondairy milk and butter when you prepare them!
Red pepper flakes, basil, tomato, fresh mozzarella and plenty of matzo puts a twist on the classic dinner recipe. Warning: there may be no leftovers left after this! Make double the sauce to cover up more of the matzo, if you so choose.
Haroseth for Passover
Roasted nuts are the star here. If you and your family love the nutty aroma, crunch and flavor they bring, you will likely love this rendition. Add in some fruit for some variety. We like apples that have been coated in cinnamon.
Keep this list in mind and have a happy, joyous, socially distant Passover.