Passover is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. There are numerous customs and rituals that are followed during this holiday, such as avoiding leavened bread products. There is also a variety of traditional foods typically eaten during Passover—and we have taken those dishes and given them a healthier twist. If you’re looking to cut calories or just eat healthier, consider making and sharing these Passover recipes with your loved ones this year:
Matzo Ball Soup: This is a staple at most Passover Seders. Traditional Matzo balls are cooked in chicken fat, but this Matzo Ball Soup recipe cuts out the chicken fat and is loaded with spring vegetables.
Haroset: Haroset is a classicPassoverside dish that is traditionally eaten on matzo. It is a sweet and healthy dish that pairs well with many different foods like chicken and turkey. This Classic Apple Haroset recipe includes two different types of apples: Gala and Granny Smith.
Brisket:Brisket can often be a fatty cut of meat. Ask your butcher for the flat “first-cut” section, which is known to be leaner than other sections. This Braised Brisket with Potatoes and Carrots recipe is simple to make and full of flavor!
Roasted Chicken: Roasting a chicken may sound intimidating, but there are many recipes that require only a handful of ingredients. This Simple and Easy Roast Chicken recipe blends the delicious flavors of rosemary, lemon, and garlic. If you are pressed for time, this Balsamic-Roasted Chicken Breasts recipe would make a nice alternative.
Vegetable Side Dish: Creamy dishes are generally less healthy and more time-consuming to make. Instead, opt for simple vegetable dishes that feature seasonal produce and healthier, fat-free flavors. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Teeny-Tiny New Potatoes with Lemon are great choices!
Macaroons: A Passover Seder wouldn’t be complete without this sweet treat! This No Bake Chocolate Macaroons recipe is Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and grain-free! Or, try this recipe for Coconut Macaroons, which includes a fun, fancy twist on this traditional dessert.
Whether you are bringing a dish to a Passover Seder or hosting a Seder of your own, remember that most classic dishes can be prepared in a slightly healthier fashion by making simple substitutions or changes like trimming the fat from your meat, incorporating seasonal produce, and using spices or lemon to bring out flavor instead of sugar and salt. You may even like the healthier version more than the original!
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more healthy recipe ideas.
