If you’re following a specialty diet, you might think you’ll be staring at an empty plate during Passover. But there’s no reason to starve for eight whole days!
My husband’s eating plan prompted me to seek out new ways to prepare our family’s favorite Passover dishes. I found out that with a few clever substitutions, you can still enjoy all the traditional fare! (Gluten-free matzo ball soup, anyone?)
Vegan & Gluten-Free Matzo Balls
A new twist on everyone’s favorite comfort food
1 ½ cups quinoa flakes
1 cup quinoa flour
2 cups boiling vegetable broth (or water)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ ground pepper
⅓ cup canola oil
Directions
1. Pour 1 ½ cups quinoa flakes into a large, heat-safe bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling broth.
2. After 3 minutes, add 1 cup quinoa flour plus ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ⅓ cup canola oil.
3. Mix well with a fork, then cover and put in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
4. When ready, you can either roll into small 1-inch balls and flash freeze or you can prepare to bake.
5. When ready to bake, preheat over to 275 and place balls onto parchment-lined cookie sheet.
6. Bake 10 minutes, turn over and bake an additional 10 minutes.
7. Add to your favorite soup!
Cacao Matzo Brittle
Don’t forget dessert!
1 cup raw cacao powder
½ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
2 whole wheat matzos, broken into bite size pieces
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
⅓ to ½ cup nuts (use one or combine your favorites: chopped walnuts, pecans and/or slivered almonds) – I like to toast them ahead of time
Directions
1. Combine cacao powder, coconut oil, agave nectar, and cinnamon.
2. Add matzo to cacao mixture, then pour onto a large, parchment-lined cookie sheet.
3. Evenly spread nuts and raisins over cacao matzo.
4. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for an hour.
5. When ready to serve, break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!