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A Simple and Heartfelt Dish
Matzah Brei or Matzo Brei, a traditional Jewish dish, enjoys great popularity during the Passover holiday when people refrain from eating leavened bread. The name “matzah brei” comes from Yiddish words: “matzah,” meaning unleavened bread, and “brei,” which means fried or scrambled. This dish stands out for its simplicity and versatility; people often serve it for breakfast or brunch, but it fits into any meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make matzah brei, you mainly need matzah and eggs, with the option to add water or milk. Start by breaking the matzah into pieces and soaking them briefly in water or milk to soften. After soaking, mix the softened matzah with beaten eggs. You can customize this mixture by sweetening it with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla for a sweeter version or seasoning it with salt and pepper for a savory one.
Heat oil or butter in a skillet, then pour in the matzah and egg mixture. Cook until it turns golden and crispy around the edges. You can choose to prepare it as a large pancake, slicing it into portions once it’s done, or scramble the mixture for smaller, rustic pieces. Enjoy this comforting dish any time!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
There are many variations of matzah brei, with families often having their unique twist on the recipe. For a sweet version, toppings like syrup, honey, jam, or fresh fruit can be added. For those who prefer it savoury, it might be garnished with onions, garlic, or even smoked salmon.
Cultural Significance
Matzah Brei or Matzo Brei is often associated with Ashkenazi Jewish culture and is particularly beloved because of its comforting nature. During Passover, when the diet is restricted, matzah brei offers a satisfying, adaptable dish that brings a sense of tradition and nostalgia to the table.
Beyond its taste and versatility, matzah brei holds cultural and emotional significance for many Jewish families. It’s a dish that connects generations, with recipes often passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Making and eating matzah brei during Passover is a way of remembering and honouring Jewish heritage while also enjoying a delicious, nourishing meal.
Here’s a simple and traditional recipe for making Matzah Brei:
Ingredients:
4 sheets of matzah
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk or water (optional, for a softer texture)
2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins for Variations:
Sweet: 1 tablespoon sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, syrup, honey, jam, or fresh fruit.
Savoury: 1 small onion (diced), garlic, smoked salmon, or fresh herbs.
Instructions:
Prepare the Matzah:
1. Break the matzah into small pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in size.
2. Place the broken matzah in a bowl and cover with warm water or milk. Let it soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the matzah softens slightly. Be careful not to oversoak, as you want the matzah to maintain some texture.
3. Drain the matzah well in a colander, pressing down gently to remove excess liquid.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
1. In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well.
2. If you’re making a sweet version, add sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract to the eggs.
3. If you’re making a savoury version, add salt and pepper to the eggs. You can also mix in diced onions, garlic, or herbs at this stage.
Combine the Matzah and Eggs:
Add the drained matzah to the egg mixture, stirring gently to coat all the matzah pieces evenly.
Cook the Matzah Brei:
1. Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Pour the matzah and egg mixture into the skillet.
3. For a pancake-style matzah brei, let the mixture cook as one large piece, flipping carefully after the bottom is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
4. For scrambled-style matzah brei, stir the mixture occasionally as it cooks, breaking it into smaller pieces as you go. Cook until the eggs are set and the matzah is slightly crispy.
Serve:
If making a sweet version, serve it with your choice of syrup, honey, or fresh fruit.
For a savoury version, garnish with additional salt, pepper, or fresh herbs.
Enjoy your matzah brei hot as a delicious breakfast or snack!
