Passover? Holy Week? Still Want To Eat Healthy? Read On!

Like any holiday season, Passover and Holy Week can be a challenge for people trying to eat whole, healthy foods. Brisket! Matzoh ball soup! Devilled eggs! Carrot cake! And when considering the restrictions on leavened foods and grains that dictate Passover cuisine, your go-to party and potluck dishes might be out the window come Seder time. Here are some dishes that you might not have thought of that can be both healthy and delicious, while also satisfying your guests, in-laws, and assorted hangers-on this season.

Ratatouille is the ultimate in people pleasers. It’s gluten-free, vegan, healthy, delicious, and doesn’t require any specialty ingredients. It’s also a great way to utilize fresh spring produce to create a colourful addition to your table: tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and peppers make it one of the most festive and attractive dishes you can serve. Chef Michael Smith’s recipe is a surefire winner that requires only one skillet and a little patience. The recipe also notes that you can add even more flavour by grilling the vegetables beforehand.

Lettuce wraps are also good way to go grain-free for holiday entertaining, and they’re a fun way to involve guests in making their own dishes. The principles are pretty basic: grill up your protein of choice along with grill-friendly vegetables, and serve the protein and veg alongside crisp, clean leaves of lettuce and some zesty dipping sauce. This recipe from Maangchi.com nails a Korean version with beef shortribs, but you can use whatever protein you’d like. For Passover and celiac guests, make sure you use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce, and omit the rice cakes. Here’s the accompanying video:

But what about dessert? May we suggest these Matzoh “Crack” S’mores? Using only a handful of ingredients, this recipe offers something both adults and kids can enjoy. It does involve making some chocolate candy, though, so be careful to set your pan back on the stove so as to prevent burns, and to watch it carefully.

If you’re looking for something even simpler, try this recipe for matzoh eclair icebox cake. It’s an easy way to use low-fat ingredients to make a whole that is better than the sum of its parts.

Speaking of matzoh, Serious Eats also has a great slideshow of matzoh-based sandwiches, which double as easy appetizers at just about any occasion.