A Traditional Passover Treat: Matzo Brei

It is a busy holiday week for many, with Passover beginning at sundown this evening, and Good Friday and Easter Sunday on the horizon. These holidays coincide with the beginning of spring, with much anticipation, symbolism and unique rituals. And as my friend Barbara and I have been discussing on our walks, there are many similarities between these different holidays.

Today's recipe for matzo brei is a personal Passover favorite. As a child, my grandmother and mother often prepared matzo brei. It was not reserved specifically for the Passover holiday, but enjoyed year round. My kids especially enjoy my mother's crispy recipe. We are convinced that her electric frying pan is the key to the crispness. Regardless, we never met a matzo brei that we didn't enjoy. It's also the perfect way to use up any leftover matzo when the holiday nears its end. For those who may not be familiar, matzo brei is sort of a cross between French toast and an omelet, substituting broken pieces of matzo for the slices of bread.

A number of years ago, an article in The New York Times alerted us to the best restaurants for matzo brei in NYC. Only in New York! One of the top recommendations was the Edison Cafe, also known as the Polish Tea Room. Located in the heart of the theatre district in Manhattan, this restaurant is rich with history and stuck in a delightful time warp. The Edison was a family favorite, yet we had never tried their matzo brei. So, off we went. There is no question that it deserves the kudos. It is not only delicious, but the presentation is impressive!

The difference between the Edison's matzo brei and the more traditional recipe has to do with the fact that the Edison serves it as a solid pancake. The more traditional recipe scrambles the eggs and matzo mixture in a pan until crisp. So began my hunt to find a recipe duplicating the Edison’s delicacy. Martha Stewart provides a few matzo brei recipes on her site. This particular recipe is quite comparable to the one at the Edison Cafe. Give it a try. It's easy to make and delicious.

Incidentally, matzo brei can be served savory with salt, pepper, onions and similar additions, or sweet, enjoyed with a sprinkling of sugar, honey or syrup.

Let me know if you try making this recipe and any personal favorite ways for serving this holiday dish.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Seder, a happy Passover, and joyful Easter!




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Mom