Passover, one of the holiest of Jewish holidays, presents a unique challenge for those who love to dine with the fam during traditional gatherings. How does one “break bread” when there’s no bread allowed. If you’re one of those who’s less than thrilled to make or indulge in any of the Passover fare, you’ll love these Passover starters which are unleavened and overwhelmingly good.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Crunchy Walnuts (recipe courtesy of Nibbles by Nic)
Ingredients
1 head Savoy cabbage
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup crushed and shelled walnuts
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (stone ground will work just as well)
Kosher salt and ground pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using a sharp knife, slice cabbage into 6 wedges. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Spray large baking sheet and position each wedge separated. Using a small pastry brush, coat each wedge well with the vinaigrette mixture. Season with Kosher salt and ground pepper. Taste then adjust accordingly. Place in oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes or until it just starts to turn golden. Toward the very end of cooking time, place walnuts in a small dry skillet and toast. Once cabbage is finished cooking, transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with toasted walnuts and drizzle remaining vinaigrette.
Salmon and Herbed Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients
1/4 cup of soft cream cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon, cut into 2 inch squares
Sprigs of dill for garnish
Directions
Mix soft cream cheese in bowl with lemon juice and herbs, then season with salt and pepper. Spread cream cheese on salmon pieces. Place sprig of dill sticking out of the edge. Roll up diagonally (dill should be peaking out) and arrange on plate and serve.
Turkey Meatloaf Cabbage Cups (recipe courtesy of Nibbles by Nic)
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground turkey meat
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup matzo meal
1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons water
1 small onion grated
2 garlic cloves grated or minced
1/4 cup ketchup
Outer leaves of purple cabbage washed and dried
Parsley for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking pan. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together first 12 ingredients until well combined. Shape into loaf on pan and glaze with ketchup. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until it just starts to turn brown. Let cool and slice into bite-sized chunks. Place in cabbage cup with garnish of parsley.
Salmon and Herbed Cream Cheese Latke Appetizer
Ingredients
1/4 cup of soft cream cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon, cut into 2 inch squares
1 pound of potatoes
1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
1 large egg
1/2 cup of olive oil
Directions
Mix soft cream cheese in bowl with lemon juice and herbs, then season with salt and pepper. Peel potatoes and grate by hand. Transfer to a large bowl of cold water as grated, then drain well in a colander. In a large bowl, mix grated potatoes, onions, egg and salt. Heat oil in skillet. Take 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet and cook until brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Place latke on a plate, put a dollop of cream cheese on each latke. Roll smoked salmon and place on top of cream cheese.
