I can’t stop thinking about the best trip that I have ever had- a friends and family vacation to Israel! Our hosts were awesome and planned the most amazing trip consisting of sightseeing, adventure and culinary treats!
As I am now back home in NYC and Passover starts at sundown this evening I can still feel the heat of the desert as we hiked Masada and the energy that surrounded the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
I have hope that one day I can be in Israel for this special holiday. In the meantime, this evening we will read from the Haggadah and tell the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. We will have a seder and eat the traditional foods of this holiday.
What do I eat for this holiday? Let me share with you how I enjoy the holiday and still eat healthy.
I love matzah! To start, I can’t get enough of eating haroset - the yummy nuts and fruit mixture that my sister-in-law and I fight over! We also enjoy hummus as a dip for the fresh veggies and to spread on the matzah.
I can make a mean matzah ball soup. It’s loaded with hearty vegetables and I can make this my meal (but on this holiday we usually serve it as a first course).
For the main course my mother makes an incredible carrot soufle. It’s not low fat but it’s made with real ingredients and is worth every bite. Of course we will have a few meat and fish dishes and plenty of green vegetables. I have recently discovered that you are “allowed” to eat quinoa on this holiday and so I will make a quinoa pilaf with lots of fresh herbs and veggies.
What about dessert? My kids love chocolate covered matzah. I can't say that I won't indulge (well maybe just a little!) but I will also have a fresh fruit salad.
Wishing you a Chag Sameach - a Happy Pesach!